MYTH: Metastatic breast cancer only affects older adults.

TRUTH: MBC can be diagnosed at any age.

People often think that metastatic breast cancer only affects older adults, but I was 41 years old when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. At the time, I didn’t even know what metastatic breast cancer was. I had no idea that breast cancer could spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body.

I had no lump, no family history, and I felt completely healthy. I simply went for a routine mammogram, and after many tests it was ultimately discovered that the breast cancer had already spread to my liver.

I was 41 years old, raising two young daughters, and suddenly I was living with a disease that I had barely even heard of. That’s why I share my story.

And that’s why I hope that you’ll tune in to #LightUpMBC Live on October 13th to hear more stories from people living with metastatic breast cancer—because MBC doesn’t have an age.

This is my MBC.

Tami Eagle Bowling is a patient advocate and the Global Campaign Director of #LightUpMBC, the world’s most visual call to action for more awareness and funding for Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. On October 13, Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, hundreds of landmarks are illuminated in the MBC awareness ribbon colors of green, teal and pink. This culminates with #LightUpMBC Live, a virtual broadcast  that features inspirational patient stories from illuminated landmarks. To date, #LightUpMBC has raised over $2.7 million for MBC research grants. Tune in this year to #LightUpMBC Live at 8 pm ET.