Katie

As a marketing consultant for the Jim and Eleanor Randall Breast Center and the radiologists with The Hill Medical Corporation, Katie Robbins works to encourage women to stay current on their breast screenings. She knows from experience how crucial annual screenings are.

In 2015, Katie went in for her annual mammogram. When an abnormality was detected, she underwent additional tests. The results showed she had stage 2 breast cancer. It was a particularly aggressive type of cancer known as triple-negative. She was only 42 years old. “I had no family history of breast cancer, and nothing had ever shown up on my previous mammograms,” Katie says. “I’m so thankful I got my annual mammogram that year.”

Because her doctors detected it early, they were able to stop the cancer before it spread to other parts of her body. Katie underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 33 weeks of radiation therapy, and a surgical procedure called a lumpectomy to remove the cancer from her breast.

Now five years cancer-free, Katie is more passionate than ever about promoting the need for screening. “All women should begin getting annual mammograms no later than the age of 40,” she says, “and those with a family history of breast cancer should talk to their doctor about starting even earlier.”

Katie is proud to be affiliated with Huntington Hospital through her work at the Randall Breast Center. “The center has the best technology available,” Katie says. This includes breast tomosynthesis machines — the type of advanced 3D mammogram that helped to catch Katie’s cancer so early.

She also notes the importance of subspecialized radiologists like those at the Randall Breast Center, who are trained to focus solely on one body part.

“Don’t wait to get screened,” Katie insists. “If you can catch cancer early, you will have more options for treatment and a higher chance of a better outcome. It’s why I’m still here today.”

At Huntington Hospital, we partner with you for every step of your breast cancer journey. Find a breast cancer specialist that is a affiliated with Huntington Hospital for the best possible care.