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Doctor Fought For Surgery, Found Stage 1 Cancer
3 Feb
Summary
- A doctor was dismissed by colleagues when seeking preventive surgery.
- Her high risk score prompted her to seek a double-mastectomy.
- Stage 1 breast cancer was found after her preventive surgery.
Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, a prominent OB-GYN in Los Angeles, discovered her high personal risk for breast cancer through a lifetime risk assessment score, which indicated a 37.5% likelihood. Despite having no family history of cancer, mutations, or unhealthy habits, Aliabadi pursued a preventive double-mastectomy.
She faced significant resistance from multiple physicians who deemed her concerns excessive given her medical history. Aliabadi recounted being told she was too healthy to develop cancer and was perceived as anxious or paranoid.
After over a year of seeking opinions, Aliabadi found a surgeon willing to perform the procedure. A week after the surgery, pathology reports confirmed her premonition: she had stage 1 invasive breast cancer.
Aliabadi's experience has fueled her passion for women's health advocacy, leading her to co-host the medical podcast "She MD." She aims to improve healthcare access and awareness for women, particularly concerning issues like dense breast tissue and the importance of proactive screenings.
