Introduction

In a remarkable turn of events, Dr. Catherine Sue Hwang, a seasoned radiation oncologist in Orlando, Florida, discovered that her extensive knowledge of breast cancer meant little when she found herself facing the disease head-on. Despite having no prior symptoms or family history, a routine mammogram revealed five alarming masses in her right breast, flipping her world upside down.

The Transition from Doctor to Patient

At just 46 years of age, Dr. Hwang transitioned from being a doctor treating breast cancer patients to becoming a patient herself, grappling with a diagnosis that would lead her to undergo a bilateral mastectomy, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In the process, she faced the harsh realities of cancer treatment: hair loss, emotional upheaval, and a daunting prognosis that left her with only a 15 percent chance of survival until 2035.

A Shift in Perspective

Reflecting on her experience in a thought-provoking essay, Dr. Hwang revealed that the cancer journey has reshaped her perspective on her role as a physician. She shared candid insights about the well-meaning yet often insensitive advice that doctors might dispense to patients. One notable example was the recommendation for women to shave their heads as a means of taking control of their situation. Dr. Hwang admitted that, despite offering this advice in her practice, she could not bring herself to follow it, ultimately finding solace in the remaining strands of hair that connected her to her pre-cancer identity.

Understanding Body Image

This newfound empathy has altered her understanding of body image and self-esteem. “The temporary loss of my hair impacted my self-esteem more than the permanent loss of my breasts,” she confessed. Acknowledging her previous judgments towards patients who prioritized their appearance over treatment, she now comprehends their struggle much more profoundly.

Rethinking Dietary Recommendations

Dr. Hwang's experiences have also prompted her to rethink the dietary recommendations she previously provided to those battling weight gain during treatment. Hormonal fluctuations caused by breast cancer therapies can lead to unexpected weight gain, something Dr. Hwang experienced firsthand when she gained 10 pounds during her own treatment. “I felt guilty for not understanding their frustrations earlier,” she reflected.

Confronting Mortality

Coming face to face with her mortality also transformed her take on conversations she once found trivial. As a physician, she often reassured low-risk cancer patients that their chances of survival were high enough to dismiss their fears. However, upon receiving her own diagnosis—and facing an 85 percent survival rate—she recognized the gravity of such concerns, especially as a mother of three sons.

Dr. Hwang's Cancer Treatment

Dr. Hwang’s cancer saga began with a routine mammogram that is recommended every two years for women ages 40 to 75. Following her diagnosis, she underwent radical measures, including a bilateral mastectomy. Unfortunately, further evaluation revealed that her cancer had spread, necessitating additional chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Returning to Work

Just two weeks after her surgeries, she returned to work, striving to maintain normalcy, which is often advised to patients to manage the psychological impact of cancer. Subsequently, doctors recommended that she have her uterus and ovaries removed to alleviate symptoms and minimize recurrence risks. Today, Dr. Hwang’s cancer is in remission, and she is committed to a 15-year maintenance treatment plan.

Advocating for Routine Screenings

Dr. Hwang now serves at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute, raising awareness about the critical importance of routine screenings. With approximately 272,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer annually in the United States—a figure steadily climbing despite improvements in survival rates—she emphasizes how early detection can make a substantial difference in treatment efficacy.

Conclusion

In a world where the incidence of breast cancer continues to rise, driven by factors such as obesity and environmental toxins, Dr. Hwang’s candid reflections remind us that the breast cancer journey is as much about human connection and understanding as it is about medical expertise. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, empathy, and the profound realities of facing one’s own mortality.