Bay Area breast cancer survivor advocating for early self-examination
A Bay Area woman is using her personal battle with breast cancer to advocate for early self-examination among women.
Diagnosed at 37, just a month shy of her 38th birthday, Yvonne Tou now emphasizes the importance of being proactive rather than waiting for the recommended mammogram age of 40.
"Generally, you're not supposed to get mammograms until you're 40. If you do have a family history, they do educate you to do self-checks earlier," Tou said.
Despite having no family history of breast cancer, Tou's commitment to self-examination led to an early diagnosis, preventing her from discovering the disease at a more advanced stage.
"I always emphasize to people that if it doesn't feel right, get it checked. It's very important. The earlier you catch something, the higher probability that it is easily treatable," she said.
Now 42, Tou serves as the support co-chair of Bay Area Young Survivors, a nonprofit group dedicated to individuals diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 45. A recent study by Washington University highlights that younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at higher rates than two decades ago, reinforcing the urgency of Tou's message.
Tou is also advocating for insurance coverage for earlier mammograms, arguing that they should be considered preventive measures like pap smears and annual OB exams.
"When you get your pap smears or your annual OB exams, I think mammograms should be covered because it would be considered a preventative measure or care," she said.
The journey has had its challenges for Tou, who is undergoing treatment that requires chemically induced menopause to manage her hormone levels. This process has brought weight gain and hair changes. That's why, she says, having like-minded community support is so key.
"A lot of people blame themselves when they get diagnosed. They say, 'I should have caught it earlier.' They play the should game," Tou explained. "And I'm like, you shouldn't do that anymore. Because you are here. You are getting treated now. You are getting it looked at. You are trying to get better. So don't blame yourself for what happened in the past."
Dr. Candice Thompson, a breast cancer specialist at Stanford University, supports Tou's approach, underscoring the recent frequency of younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer.
"We know that 40 percent of breast cancers are found with palpation, meaning, with feeling a lump, before a mammogram," she said.
As Tou continues her treatment, she remains hopeful and focused on building a supportive community for others facing similar challenges.