Caitlin Conner was four weeks pregnant when she received a diagnosis of breast cancer, according to a July 15 article. Conner, who works as a nurse at The Ohio State University Heart and Vascular Center, noticed an unusual lump during a self-exam in January 2024 and sought immediate medical attention.
After undergoing a mammogram and ultrasound, Conner said she realized the seriousness of her situation when told further imaging was needed. “I was terrified. I was all alone because I thought this mammogram and ultrasound were just a routine check,” Conner said.
She met promptly with a provider at the diagnostic clinic at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center to discuss next steps. A biopsy performed the following day confirmed her diagnosis as stage II HER2-positive breast cancer.
Ohio State Health and Discovery addresses societal issues such as health equity and substance use, includes hospitals and outpatient facilities in its academic medical center, seeks to advance health through research, education, patient care and community involvement, extends efforts to improve health locally and globally, offers resources on wellness and research advances, and focuses on health care innovation, according to the official website.
Conner’s experience highlights the importance of regular self-exams for early detection. She continues treatment while balancing pregnancy.
