ATLANTA — Research is underway looking into why more women younger than the age of 40 are receiving a breast cancer diagnosis.
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Channel 2’s Wendy Corona met with Quintera Knight, who was a 25-year-old first-year medical student when she got the diagnosis, one she was unfortunately all too familiar with.
“My mother was diagnosed at 35, and she ended up passing at the age of 40,” Knight said.
Breast cancer had also hit on her paternal side, so Knight proactively arranged a visit to Piedmont’s high risk breast cancer clinic. Multiple screenings and a biopsy confirmed it: breast cancer.
“We don’t know exactly what’s causing us to see those numbers increase in women under 40,” said Dr. Erin Bowman of Atlanta Breast Care.
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Bowman is the surgeon who performed Knight’s lumpectomy and remains alongside her in this journey.
“It is not a death sentence,” Bowman said. “There will be a day that you will wake up and the first thing on your mind will not be something concerning your breast cancer diagnosis.”
Knight went from terrified to empowered, all thanks to her team’s support. Now she’s encouraging young women to do one thing.
“The first step is curiosity, thinking about your family history, trying to learn as much information as you can,” said Knight. “I hope that my story can inspire other women to come early.”
Knight is now cancer-free with no symptoms.
On Wednesday, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital is hosting “Breast Cancer Under 40: Facts every woman should know,” with a panel of experts in the field.
The free event will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Shaheen Auditorium in Marcus Tower at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital. Complimentary valet parking available at Marcus Tower Entrance.
You can register here.
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