230
A 37-year-old mom says her persistence in asking for early screenings saved her life.
Michaela Del Barrio, with a strong family history of breast cancer, pushed doctors for a mammogram before the typical age of 40. While her first exam was clear, a follow-up MRI revealed two suspicious masses.
Weeks later, she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer.
“I was just stunned. I had no symptoms at all,” Del Barrio said. “Thank goodness I spoke up when I did.”
Her cancer was caught early, and she underwent a bilateral mastectomy followed by chemotherapy to lower her risk of recurrence. Doctors say her story underscores the power of early detection and self-advocacy.
