Each October, pink ribbons flutter across America in a powerful show of solidarity and hope for those touched by breast cancer. But behind the ribbons and fundraising walks are real stories—stories of fear, resilience, swift action, and, sometimes, relief. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, two very different voices—one a medical expert, the other a survivor—are sharing their insights and urging women everywhere not to put off that crucial mammogram.
According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. That sobering statistic means breast cancer is not a distant threat; it’s a reality that will touch millions of families. In 2025 alone, more than 316,000 new cases are expected nationwide, according to KRIS 6 News. For most of these women, surgery will be a central part of their treatment, a fact underscored by Dr. Jennifer Brady of Troy Surgical Associates during a recent interview on WTEN’s Women’s Health Wednesday.
Dr. Brady, who appeared on the program as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, emphasized the critical role that surgery plays in breast cancer care. "Most breast cancer patients will undergo surgery as part of their treatment," she explained, highlighting the advances in surgical options that allow for more personalized care. While she didn’t delve into the technical specifics during the interview, Dr. Brady made it clear that early detection can make all the difference in the type and extent of surgery needed.
"Early detection is so important," Dr. Brady said. "It can change the entire course of treatment." Her words echo the growing consensus among oncologists and patient advocates alike: the sooner breast cancer is found, the better the chances of successful treatment and less invasive intervention.
Linda Garret, a 77-year-old resident of Padre Island, knows this truth firsthand. For most of her life, Garret never faced any major health problems. She spent her days as an art director, later moving to the Coastal Bend with her husband to enjoy retirement—traveling, soaking up the sun, and admiring the beauty of nature. But in 2023, a routine mammogram changed everything.
Garret, who has made annual mammograms a habit since she turned 40, recalls the moment her world shifted. "They said, oh, we need to have another one. Oh, well, and we also need a biopsy," she told KRIS 6 News. "So they did a biopsy and they called me that night and said, I'm sorry, it's breast cancer." The diagnosis was stage 1, caught early thanks to her diligence with screenings.
Rather than let fear paralyze her, Garret sprang into action. "I had surgery the same week I was diagnosed," she said. Because the tumor was small, the operation was considered minor. Just a month after surgery, she started a course of radiation, which lasted about six weeks in total. "And then after that, I just do hormones and I do infusions every six months. And I feel great," Garret reported.
Garret’s story is notable not just for her quick response, but also because breast cancer does not run in her family. Her experience is a reminder that the disease can strike anyone, regardless of family history. "It takes like 15 minutes, it doesn't hurt at all. And then if they see anything, they'll tell you they want another one," she said, describing the mammogram process in simple, reassuring terms. Her message to women is clear: "Don't put it off, I mean let's do this... you want to live your life."
Garret is now using her voice to raise awareness and offer hope to others facing a similar journey. She will be among the many survivors, families, and supporters attending the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Corpus Christi on October 25, 2025. The event, which kicks off at Bayfront Park with check-in at 9:30 a.m. and the walk beginning at 11 a.m., aims to raise funds for American Cancer Society research and provide a space for the community to come together in support.
For Garret, the walk is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of life and a testament to the power of early detection. She encourages the public to attend and support the cause, reminding everyone that breast cancer victims are never alone.
Dr. Brady’s perspective from the operating room reinforces Garret’s lived experience. Surgery remains a cornerstone of breast cancer treatment, but the options available today are far more nuanced than in decades past. Advances in medical technology, imaging, and surgical technique mean that many tumors can be removed with less disruption to the surrounding tissue, improving recovery times and outcomes. Still, the effectiveness of any surgical approach depends greatly on how early the cancer is found.
Both Dr. Brady and Garret agree that awareness is only the first step; action is what saves lives. Annual mammograms, especially for women over 40 or those with additional risk factors, remain the gold standard for early detection. The American Cancer Society’s estimate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer is a stark reminder of the disease’s prevalence—but it’s also a call to vigilance.
Breast cancer’s impact stretches far beyond the individual. Families, friends, and entire communities are affected when a loved one receives a diagnosis. Events like the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk offer a chance for people to unite, share their stories, and support ongoing research that could one day make breast cancer a thing of the past.
For those who may be hesitant about getting a mammogram, Garret’s words offer reassurance. The procedure is quick, painless, and could mean the difference between a minor surgery and a much longer, more difficult battle. "If they see anything, they'll tell you they want another one," she said, encouraging women not to fear the process but to see it as an act of self-care.
As the nation marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the stories of women like Linda Garret and the expertise of physicians like Dr. Jennifer Brady serve as powerful reminders. Early detection isn’t just a slogan—it’s a lifeline. And for the hundreds of thousands of women who will be diagnosed this year, it could be the difference between fear and hope, between illness and recovery, between life interrupted and life reclaimed.
With new cases expected to top 316,000 in the U.S. this year alone, the urgency is real. But so is the hope. Through routine screenings, advances in treatment, and the unwavering support of communities, the fight against breast cancer continues—one walk, one mammogram, and one survivor at a time.
