I have always been healthy and active, which is why when I noticed a lump on my breast while weaning my second child, I assumed it was just trapped milk or a clogged duct. At 38, cancer wasn’t even on my radar.
Months passed. Finally, after a year, I scheduled an appointment with my Primary Care Manager (PCM). As an Active Duty service member, this is always the first step before we can be referred out for specialty care.
I was sent for a mammogram, then a biopsy, and in October 2024, my life changed with a single phone call: I had breast cancer. My pathology came back as ER/PR positive and HER2 negative.
Before I even had time to process what chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation might look like for me, I received even more devastating news. A PET scan revealed that the cancer had already spread to my bones. I was now Stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer.
It felt like the ground shifted beneath me. The future I had imagined for myself and my family suddenly looked completely different.
Being told I was already Stage IV strangely slowed things down for me. There was no rushing into decisions—I needed time to think.
I researched, talked with my family and friends, and sought a second opinion. After carefully considering my options, I chose a different path: no chemotherapy, no surgery, no radiation.
Instead, I began a treatment plan of oral medications and monthly injections to induce menopause. Thankfully, so far, these medications have been keeping my cancer stable.
I am still working—and for me, work has become a welcome distraction. But I’m also learning to take care of myself in ways I never prioritized before: managing stress, paying more attention to my diet, exercising, and making time for my family.
Most of all, I’m doing everything I can to be here, for as long as possible.
Once I began sharing my experience, I discovered just how prevalent breast cancer is within the military community.
Research shows that women in the military are up to 40% more likely to develop breast cancer than civilians. Hearing the stories of other service members and veterans has inspired me to join this fight—not just for myself, but for all of us.
I want to raise my voice for better education, earlier detection, and improved access to care for military personnel worldwide.
I am learning to lean into gratitude every single day—gratitude for my family and friends who surround me with love, for my colleagues who lift me when I need it most, and for the brave women in the military and beyond who have shared their stories before me. Hearing them has given me strength and shown me that there is power in speaking up.
Sharing my own story has been a turning point for me. It has reminded me that this journey is not just about me—it’s about every woman in uniform who may face a diagnosis like mine and needs to know she is not alone.
Q1. Are women in the military at higher risk for breast cancer?
A: Yes. Studies have shown that women in the military can be up to 40% more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer compared to civilians.
Q2. Why are military women at higher risk?
A: Researchers believe that multiple factors—such as environmental exposures, stress, and lifestyle demands—may play a role; however, more studies are needed.
Q3. Does TRICARE cover breast cancer screening and treatment?
A: Yes. Active Duty members and dependents have access to mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, biopsies, and treatments once a referral process through a PCM is followed.
Q4. Why is early detection especially important in the military?
A: Frequent relocations and deployments can make it harder to stay consistent with screening. Knowing your body and advocating for yourself is critical.
Disclaimer: This statement is made in my personal and unofficial capacity. My views, thoughts, and opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinions of, or endorsement by, the Department of Defense or any of its subparts.
“Lindsey, it is such an honor to share your story on Learn Look Locate.
Stories like yours can save a life. By speaking up about your experience as an Active Duty service member, you are helping other women in the military see that they are not alone and that early action matters.
Learn Look Locate is committed to making sure that more women in uniform—around the world—have access to the education, awareness, and connection they deserve.
From my heart to yours, thank you for trusting me with your journey. This is exactly why Learn Look Locate exists.”
— Cynthia, Founder of Learn Look Locate
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