Lynne Cargen
Breast cancer survivor
Nashville, TN
Age 39 at diagnosis, 51 now

At 29 I joked with my OB/GYN about not knowing if I would have cancer because my breasts were so lumpy. I had a baseline mammogram at 30 which, looking back, I know saved my life. Five years later I had microcalicifactions and 30% of all DCIS cases will develop into cancer. DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) sits there inactive in many women but mine became cancerous. In spite of the great care I received in Nashville, I was still unprepared for cancer at age 39. After the bilateral mastectomy, 10 years ago, I sat in the hospital waiting for information of what to do now but none came. After reconstruction the nurse in my plastic surgeon’s office gave me the help I needed for getting connected with support groups and being an advocate for cancer education and research. Support group was tremendous. I am so thankful for the experience I had, so fortunate for the care I received.

“I’m a research advocate to help educate communities about the necessities of research and clinical trials. Think before you pink. We cannot be complacent. Pink ribbons made us aware but awareness doesn’t bring the cure. We must go beyond the pink ribbon.”

See Lynne's profile in the Tennessee Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition's 2009-2012 State Plan