Woman, 26, felt her concerns were being dismissed before cancer diagnosis

Andrea de Armas, a 26-year-old woman who had just completed training to become a physician assistant, initially felt dismissed by a healthcare professional when she expressed concerns about a lump she discovered in her breast. De Armas, who had no family history of breast cancer, had scheduled a scan for herself before she was due to start her job training.

Upon her arrival at the clinic, she was greeted by a technician who seemed uninterested in her concerns, telling her "Why are you here?" and questioning whether her symptoms were real. This dismissive attitude made De Armas feel belittled and uncomfortable, exacerbating her emotional turmoil during what was already a stressful time.

Following an ultrasound, a radiologist recommended an immediate biopsy, contrasting sharply with the technician's earlier skepticism. De Armas, overwhelmed by conflicting emotions, made an appointment at Baptist Health's Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute for further examination. Four days later, she learned the lump was malignant, and she had been diagnosed with breast cancer just days before she was scheduled to begin her PA program.

De Armas described the moment as surreal, feeling both in shock and a state of immediate action to address her diagnosis. She knew she had to proceed with her studies despite her new reality, launching into a rigorous treatment plan that included surgery and chemotherapy during her program.

Research indicates that one in ten new breast cancer diagnoses occur in women under 45, though this demographic only accounts for about one in 1,344 cases. The ACS notes that breast cancer incidence rates have increased by about one percent annually, with more cases being diagnosed in younger women, who often face more aggressive tumors or rarer subtypes.

Despite these statistics, De Armas' case highlights a troubling trend of young women being dismissed by healthcare providers, a problem Dr. Mary Gemignani, a specialist in early onset breast cancer, has encountered numerous times over her 25-year career. Gemignani has seen women repeatedly told they are too young to have breast cancer, a sentiment that De Armas herself experienced during her initial visit.

The genetic mutation detected in De Armas post-diagnosis provided some clarity and control in her journey. Understanding the hereditary aspect of her cancer empowered her to take proactive steps in her treatment and to inform her family of the risks. De Armas' determination to continue her education while undergoing treatment was remarkable.

She managed to undergo a lumpectomy early in the summer, fitting chemotherapy sessions into her schedule by attending classes in the afternoon. This unique treatment plan, tailored to her needs as a young woman balancing career and education, demonstrated her resilience and commitment to her goals.

Dr. Cristina Lopez-Penalver, who treated De Armas, praised the young woman's determination and her ability to maintain her academic schedule alongside her medical regimen. Despite the challenges, De Armas graduated from her PA program in 2025 and launched her career within a month, marking a significant milestone in her fight against cancer.

Now 30, she is cancer-free, though she remains on hormone therapy as a result of her treatment, which caused temporary menopause and required her to make early fertility decisions. De Armas, who is now living a normal life as a 30-year-old, credits her experience with breast cancer for teaching her about resilience and the importance of advocacy.

She hopes her story will encourage others to trust their instincts and seek answers when they feel something is amiss, emphasizing that while genetics play a role, individuals have control over many aspects of their health and well-being.