- Cheryl Williams never missed her annual mammogram. In 2023, that routine screening led to a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer and a treatment plan that included surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Nearly two years after finishing treatment, Cheryl was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer again, this time in her other breast. Now back in treatment, she and her physicians at The University of Kansas Cancer Center share how her care team is working to get the cancer into remission for a second time and why Cheryl says she’ll continue encouraging women to make that annual appointment a priority. Kansas City, KS
Cheryl Williams, Patient
- Cheryl made getting a mammogram an annual birthday tradition after losing friends to breast cancer.
- She shared how a routine screening led to her first diagnosis and the heartbreak of learning nearly two years later that cancer had returned.
- She described what was different physically and emotionally facing breast cancer a second time.
- She shared how her husband, four sons and grandchildren have helped keep her focused on what she is fighting for.
Dr. Larry Corum, Medical Oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center Olathe
- Dr. Corum explains why Cheryl received oral chemotherapy after her second surgery when cancer remained in the breast, and how the additional treatment can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
- He discusses why breast cancer should not be viewed as one disease and how physicians tailor treatment to the individual cancer.
- He addresses whether developing cancer in both breasts can indicate a genetic predisposition.
- He explains where Cheryl stands after completing her latest chemotherapy treatment and what comes next.
Dr. Kelly Rhodes-Stark, Radiation Oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- Dr. Rhodes-Stark the role radiation plays in breast cancer treatment and why chemotherapy, surgery and radiation don't always happen in the same order.
- She explains how radiation after breast-conserving surgery can reduce the risk of cancer recurring in that breast by about 50%.
- She walks through what Cheryl's mammogram revealed and how those findings helped guide her treatment.
- She discusses what her team will continue watching as Cheryl moves forward after treatment.
- She answers questions about dense breast tissue, additional screening and the potential long-term effects of radiation.
