Miranda McKeon has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The Anne With An E star, who is just 19, revealed the news on Instagram.
“Pink is my new color!!!!! It is with a heavy yet hopeful heart that I share news that I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer,” wrote McKeon. The actress refused to wallow in her diagnosis however, and did her best to make light of the situation.
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McKeon said that she was traveling to San Francisco where she was planning to spend a few weeks working on a sustainable farm when she got a call about a biopsy she had done a week prior. She had just touched down in California at the time, but 90 minutes later was back on a plane heading home so she could undergo more tests.
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The actress and student at USC said that she was showered with love from her family and friends the next few days before learning that the lump she felt was indeed cancer.
“So the long and short of it is – I am embarking on a journey that is not of my choosing, but one I know I can handle,” wrote McKeon.
“There will be really difficult times ahead when life feels impossible. But for now, I am headed into this with optimism, positivity, and surrounded by love.”
McKeon did not share her exact treatment plan, but said it would involve surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. She also made a point of telling her young followers not to feel sad for her to worry they too might have cancer, accurately pointing out that only four percent of those who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year are under the age of 40.
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Getting a Mammogram
Women aged 45 and 54 should have annual mammograms; women with a history of breast cancer in their family should begin screening even earlier. Dr. Connie Lehman, the chief of the Breast Imaging Division at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasizes in an earlier interview how mammograms save lives. She says, "If you haven't gone through menopause yet, I think it's very important that you have a mammogram every year. We know that cancers grow more rapidly in our younger patients, and having that annual mammogram can be lifesaving."
Related: When You're Getting a Mammogram, Ask About Dense Breasts
"After menopause, it may be perfectly acceptable to reduce that frequency to every two years," says Dr. Lehman. "But what I'm most concerned about is the women who haven't been in for a mammogram for two, three, or four years, those women that have never had a mammogram. We all agree regular screening mammography saves lives."
When Should I Get a Mammogram?
Doing a Self-Exam at Home
In addition to regular mammogram screenings, women should also do self-exams at home. The American Cancer Society (ACS), says, “Women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and should report any changes to a health care provider right away.”
Related: You Should Be Aware of These Signs of Breast Cancer
The National Breast Cancer Foundation says here’s how to do a self-exam at home:
- While standing straight in front of a mirror, place your hands on your hips and look at your breasts for any swelling, bulging, changes in the shape of breast or nipple (inverted), redness, rashes, or any fluid leaking. Then do the same with your arms in the air.
- Next, while lying down, use your right hand to examine your left breast and vice versa, while using your first three fingers to apply pressure. Ensure you cover the entire breast area, from your collarbone to below your ribcage and from your armpit to your cleavage area. Do the same self-exam standing or sitting up. Be sure to use light to medium pressure for the middle breast area and firmer pressure when feeling deep breast tissue.
Getting to Know Your Breasts with Self-Exams
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