'Get your mammogram,' urges breast cancer survivor

Five years after Barbara Cortez was put on targeted therapy for late-stage breast cancer by UCI Health medical oncologist Dr. Mohammadbagher Ziari, she remains in remission.

Grateful that regular scans and monthly blood tests continue to show no evidence of cancer, the 53-year-old survivor has a message for women, young and old, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Get your annual mammogram,” urges Cortez. “If I can reach just one woman who schedules this all-important test, I will have done my part.”

Surviving a cancer diagnosis is a blessing as well as a long-term commitment, says the longtime legal assistant, whose 36-year-old mother died of the disease when Cortez was 7 years old.

“I realize how precious and fragile life is, and I'm so grateful to be alive. After coming through the other side of cancer, a new normal starts to set in.”

A survivor's journey

That new normal involves frequent scans, blood and other lab tests to ensure that she remains in remission. She also has regular follow-ups with Ziari, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center’s community cancer network.

Cortez, who was initially treated for breast cancer in 2017, then again in 2020, worries about every aspect of what may lie ahead if she has another recurrence of the disease.

"Anyone who has had a stage IV cancer diagnosis knows that there is never an end date for treatments, scans and blood work," she says. "This will continue for the rest of our lives and at any given moment, a full-remission status can change."

“A cancer survivor must be prepared for whatever lies ahead," she says. "The process is fast. Within days, you are set on a new course of action that requires new drugs and procedures. This is when reality sets in."

“It’s hard enough to worry about the return of your disease, but now you have to think about the financial hardships ahead and whether insurance will cover medications and treatments that may costs tens of thousands of dollars."

More research is vital

Cortez is also alarmed over recent cuts in funding for research aimed at finding better cancer treatments, like the targeted therapy that put her in remission. 

“That’s why it is of the upmost importance to continue funding by the government and nonprofit organizations for research and to help people in our situation get the care we need. Late-stage patients whose cancer has returned will depend on new medicines and treatments that may yet emerge. That is truly our lifeline."

Breast cancer treatment options and surgical techniques have advanced considerably since her original diagnosis in 2017,

So, too, have mammograms and breast ultrasounds. Annual breast screenings are recommended for women beginning at age 40, Screening for younger women may be indicated if they have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.

"I want every woman to know that early detection is essential," Cortez says. "There are now so many treatment options for early-stage breast cancer, a full recovery is very attainable.

“If nothing else, I hope that every woman reading about my continuing journey will be moved to get a mammogram."

Learn more about Cortez’ cancer journey ›

Schedule your mammogram today at UCI Health Breast Cancer Screening Services or call 714-456-7237.

Learn how our UCI Health Breast Cancer Services team provides care tailored to each person ›