Imagine discovering a life-threatening condition during a procedure meant to improve your quality of life. That’s exactly what happened to Kim Burris, a 45-year-old from Chapel Hill, whose routine breast reduction surgery turned into a potentially life-saving intervention. But here’s where it gets even more compelling: the early-stage breast cancer detected during her surgery had gone unnoticed by routine mammograms—a stark reminder that even the most trusted screenings aren’t foolproof.
Kim had contemplated breast reduction surgery for most of her adult life. Chronic back pain, ill-fitting clothing, and constant discomfort had taken a toll on her physical and emotional well-being. ‘I felt like an imposter in my own body,’ she confessed. It wasn’t until three years after breastfeeding her daughter that she finally decided to take this step for herself. ‘I wanted to do something that felt truly mine,’ she added.
During the surgery, Dr. Heather Levites, a Raleigh-based plastic surgeon, noticed something unusual in the tissue she removed. Following standard protocol, she sent it for pathological testing—a decision that would change Kim’s life. The results revealed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the most common form of early-stage breast cancer. DCIS originates in the breast ducts and, if left untreated, can spread to surrounding tissue. Early warning signs include painless lumps, redness, nipple changes, and asymmetry between breasts—symptoms Kim hadn’t noticed beyond a clogged milk duct she attributed to breastfeeding.
‘When I heard the news, I felt like I was outside my body,’ Kim recalled. ‘I was numb, completely shocked. But Dr. Levites was incredible—she explained everything clearly and put me at ease.’ Kim’s family history of breast cancer, including her grandmother’s diagnosis, had already made her vigilant about mammograms. Yet, the DCIS had slipped through the cracks, underscoring the limitations of even the best screening tools.
Dr. Levites swiftly connected Kim with Dr. Jennifer Plichta, a surgical oncologist at Duke Cancer Center. Early detection, as in Kim’s case, is a game-changer. It not only increases survival rates but also reduces the need for invasive treatments, empowers individuals to take control of their health, and minimizes anxiety, according to the National Institutes of Health. ‘Being proactive is key,’ Dr. Levites emphasized. ‘Self-exams are often the first line of defense—we know our bodies better than anyone.’
Thanks to the early detection, Kim doesn’t require additional treatment. She plans to continue preventive measures and regular check-ups, grateful for the unexpected intervention that saved her life. But this story raises a thought-provoking question: If mammograms missed Kim’s DCIS, how many others might be in the same boat? And this is the part most people miss: relying solely on screenings isn’t enough—self-awareness and advocacy are equally crucial. What’s your take? Do you think we need to rethink how we approach early cancer detection? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could save lives.
