14 year old cancer scare

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An Early Scare

Girl Develops Breast Cancer at 14

July 10 — In a tiny town north of Bismarck, N.D., most people barely believe what happened to Kubik in the winter of her 14th year.

But soon, other young women in Wilton, N.D., population 800, were asking themselves why it happened to , and if it could happen to them. It was an event that upset her family and shocked her doctor: she had breast cancer. "I didn't think 14-year-olds could ever get something like that," said. "I thought it was for older women." Golf-Ball Sized Lump

is the only girl in a family of four boys, and the middle child. 's step-dad is a coal-miner, and her mom owns a greenhouse. She plays basketball, volleyball, track and softball in her spare time. But when was barely a teenager, she felt a lump in her right breast. "I was just very shocked, like, no, this can't be happening," said. Her doctor showed the ultrasound results to and her mom. There was a lump the size of a golf ball visible on the sonogram. A surgeon removed it, but soon he had more bad news for and her family. "He said, 'Mayo just called and found out that your daughter has malignant breast cancer,'" 's mother, Dee Eucker said. "'And we need to get her there as fast as possible because, I guess, we're not sure if we got it all.'" A Rare Illness 's family rushed her to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., for more surgery, and to treat a cancer called cystosarcoma phyllodes. It is so rare that even the Mayo Clinic — which performed 800 breast cancer surgeries, last year — saw only two types of this cancer. Its cause is unknown. "These tumors don't respond to chemo or radiation," said Dr. Bradley, of Bismarck, N.D. "So they are best treated with surgery." But was lucky she noticed it early. "If she would have waited longer, the mass would have certainly grown," Bradley said. "She may have had to undergo a mastectomy. But her breast was preserved." Doctors got the cancer out, and the town of Wilton turned out to support their hometown girl by making buttons and pink ribbons and organizing benefits and bake sales on 's behalf. "I couldn't believe it, that this was happening, that they were doing this for my daughter," Eucker said. Positive Prognosis Doctors check for cancer every few months and believe her prognosis is good. "I think has taught me that even though it never happens in a 14-year-old, it sometimes happens in a 14-year-old," Bradley said. "And we have to be looking for it all the time." Her age actually helps her, said. "Since I'm still developing, my breasts are still growing," she said. "So, I have a better chance of healing than an older person would … I just try to live my life the way it was before I even had this." Her mother is pleased to see her daughter in good health, and spirits, again. "And that smile on — just to see that — I just love it, to see her dimples," Eucker said. "I mean, I just love her so much." says that she has more of an appreciation for her family, and life. "You got to make sure that you tell your loved ones that you love them because you might not be there the next time," she said.

How To Do a Breast Exam

Women who routinely examine their own breasts are the most likely to notice any changes that occur soon after they take place. The best time for breast self-examination (BSE) is about a week after your period ends, when your breasts are not tender or swollen, the American Cancer Society recommends. Here are their tips for a breast exam: Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head. Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse. Move around the breast in a circular, up and down line, or wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way every time, check the entire breast area, and remember how your breast feels from month to month. Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand. (Move the pillow to under your left shoulder.) Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with your one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit). This is where about half of breast cancers are found. You may want to do the standing part of the BSE while you are in the shower. Some breast changes can be felt more easily when your skin is wet and soapy. For added safety, you can check your breasts for any dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, redness, or swelling while standing in front of a mirror right after your BSE each month. If you find any changes, see your doctor right away.