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Pull-up Pain Leads to Shock Breast Cancer Diagnosis
2 Apr
Summary
- A pullup challenge caused armpit soreness, leading to self-examination.
- Banas discovered a lump in her breast after finding an enlarged lymph node.
- She was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and is BRCA2 positive.
In summer 2025, Sarena Banas, a physical therapist, experienced unusual soreness in her armpits following a pullup challenge. This discomfort led her to discover an enlarged lymph node, and subsequently, a lump in her breast.
Recognizing the potential implications due to her medical background, Banas promptly sought medical attention. An assessment, mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma in her right breast on August 4, 2025.
Further tests revealed she was BRCA2 positive, indicating a significantly increased risk for other cancers. Banas underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy from September to December 2025, followed by a bilateral mastectomy in February 2026.
Her chemotherapy proved highly effective, resolving the tumor without the need for radiation. Banas is now preparing for risk-reducing surgery and future targeted therapies, maintaining an active lifestyle despite ongoing fatigue.
