October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Having a family history that spanned four generations of breast cancer survivors, including her great-grandfather, grandmother, and mother, Jacyln Williams deeply understood the importance of self-screenings and paying close attention to her body. So, when she found a lump in her breast in November 2021, she took immediate action.
“I went in for an ultrasound and was told at the time that the lump was a benign cyst,” said Williams. “But then it grew.”
At the age of 34, and two months away from her wedding day, Williams was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby tissue.
Her diagnosis included genetic testing, which confirmed she carried the high-risk PALB2 genetic mutation. Simultaneously, her tumor was classified as HER2-negative, defining the specific nature of her cancer.
Williams is a school teacher who was not only finishing up the school year and planning her wedding, but was now also getting ready for surgery and treatment at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing.
“I underwent a lumpectomy and lymph node removal, had my wedding, celebrated my birthday the day after my wedding, and then started on chemotherapy and radiation the day after,” said Williams.
While having to go through these big life changes at a young age, Williams continued to stay positive through the encouragement of her family and oncology team.
“When I was going through treatment, I was there a lot, so I really got to know the staff at Karmanos, and they became ‘my people’ – my support system,” said Williams. “They knew my story, who my husband was, and what my interests were, so it felt very intimate.”
Williams started participating in the Karmanos Cancer Institute’s young survivor support group and gained lasting friendships and support from others who have experienced similar outcomes. She also participated in a past “Pink Out the Park” baseball game, through a partnership with Karmanos Cancer Institute and the Detroit Tigers, celebrating survivors and raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
Williams finished her treatment in January 2023 and is now cancer-free and embracing the future. She enjoys teaching and spending time with her husband and their dog, Rosie. Committed to advocating, she remains active in the young cancer survivor support group, and educates her friends and family on the importance of self-checks and screenings, and above all, knowing your family’s history.
“Without me knowing about my family’s genetic history with breast cancer, I may not have felt the importance of doing my routine self-checks or taking the initiative to get things checked out,” said Williams.
Mammograms are recommended for women over the age of 40, depending on their family histories. Early detection saves lives. To schedule your mammogram, click here.
To learn more about Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing and the life-saving cancer treatment options available, click here.
To read more cancer survivor stories, click here.