MACON, Ga. — The American Cancer Society estimates over 310,000 women — and around 2,800 — men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.
Around 9,840 of those new cases will be here in Georgia.
Doctors recommend that women start getting annual mammograms at 40 years old. Latonya Veal was just one year away from 40 when she was diagnosed.
"I actually conducted my self-exam at home and noticed the knot in my right breast," Veal said.
In January of 2024, Veal went to the doctor, who confirmed she had stage three breast cancer. That's the stage where the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and breast tissue. She said she questioned how this could happen to her.
"My emotions were all over the place," Veal said. "I had mixed emotions, you know, scared because of the things that you heard about breast cancer, nervous didn't know what I would have to endure being diagnosed with breast cancer. And I was angry a little bit like why me."
According to the American Cancer Society, women have a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer. Dr. Jamaal Crawford is a surgical specialist at Piedmont Macon and did Veals surgery. He says breast cancer is very common.
"Besides skin cancer that is, breast cancer is the most common in the U.S.," Crawford said. "There's about 300,00 new cases in the U-S. With 10,000 of them being in Georgia."
On September 6, 2024, Veal had a six-centimeter mass removed from her right breast and two lymph nodes from her left breast. She says she opted for the bilateral mastectomy.
"I didn't wanna go through experiencing that issue again," Veal said.
Veal said the nurses, her family, and Crawford supported her throughout her entire journey. Veal said she never gave up.
"I'm not on the side of, 'could not be here.' I had the strength and I still have the strength to keep fighting. Even though it's emotional, it's hard and I haven't given up," Veal said through tears.
Doctors confirmed Veal has been in remission since September 18. She says she wants other women to examine themselves at home.
"There are so many young women who actually are battling breast cancer or they are breast cancer survivors," Veal said. "So, you know, make sure you do your monthly checks."
Veal is expected to start radiation therapy next month.
Piedmont Macon Medical and Piedmont Macon North have weekday and weekend appointments available till the end of December. You can find more information here.