What led to Klarissa Theophanous's breast cancer diagnosis?

Klarissa discovered a lump in her breast which was initially thought to be benign, but after noticing it had grown and seeking further medical attention, she was diagnosed with Grade 3 breast cancer.

What is Lynch syndrome and how does it affect Klarissa?

Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that increases the risk of developing certain cancers, often at a younger age. Klarissa was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome after her breast cancer diagnosis.

What challenges has Klarissa faced since her cancer diagnosis?

Klarissa has undergone multiple surgeries, chemotherapy with severe side effects, fertility preservation, and faces significant financial burdens, while also dealing with the emotional toll of a young cancer diagnosis.

Home / Health / Student's Lump Diagnosed as Aggressive Cancer

Student's Lump Diagnosed as Aggressive Cancer

8 Feb

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Summary

A young student discovered a breast lump that was initially thought benign.
She was diagnosed with Grade 3 breast cancer despite no prior symptoms.
Lynch syndrome increases her risk for other cancers, impacting her future.

Student's Lump Diagnosed as Aggressive Cancer

Klarissa Theophanous, at 23, found a lump in her breast in May 2025. Initially dismissed as a likely benign fibroadenoma common in young women, she faced a lengthy waitlist for specialist follow-up. By late 2025, she noticed the lump had grown. Her persistence, along with her mother's, led to surgery where the tumor was removed.

Days after surgery, Klarissa received devastating news: the lump was Grade 3 breast cancer. The 5.2cm tumor had been removed, unbeknownst to surgeons at the time. She then underwent a whirlwind of scans, lymph node biopsies, and three surgeries within five weeks, including fertility preservation due to planned chemotherapy.

Further testing revealed she does not carry breast cancer genes but has Lynch syndrome. This inherited condition significantly raises the risk of developing certain cancers, particularly colorectal and endometrial cancers, often at younger ages. Cancer Council Victoria notes it's the most common inherited cancer risk in Australia, yet underdiagnosed.