At just 30 years old, Laura Montgomery heard the words no one ever wants to hear: “You have breast cancer.”

What began as a routine shower turned into a life-altering discovery—she found a lump that didn’t feel right. Laura trusted her instincts and saw a doctor, but, worried that she wouldn’t be taken seriously because of her age, she exaggerated her symptoms just to be heard. The doctor initially believed it was likely nothing but sent her for an ultrasound. That scan changed everything. It revealed what was likely breast cancer—a 1.5 cm tumor.

After receiving her FIRST mammogram at the age of 40, Steph was diagnosed with DCIS in July 2022. Although she could not feel a lump or disfiguration in her breast, her doctor sent her proactively in hopes of staying on top of the disease.

Although rare, male breast cancer is a significant health concern – accounting for approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases each year. Despite its rarity, the impact of a male breast cancer diagnosis can be life-altering, often presenting unique challenges due to late detection and limited research.

“My journey is what I like to call ‘My Gift Wrapped in Barbed Wire”, shares Cynthia. In 2017, Cynthia Cushia, a 37-year old with unwavering tenacity for life, received an unsettling diagnosis: Stage 2, Grade 3 HER2+ breast cancer.