Fruita resident Alicia Rebecca Myers, 49, a breast cancer survivor, is sharing her personal story to underscore the importance of early screening for many women and provide camaraderie to others impacted by the disease. After a dual breast cancer diagnosis required a double mastectomy, Myers learned much about the condition and is now working to educate and support her community.
Myers’ work is already underway, as the 2025 Colorado Cantor Poetry Prize winner is currently writing a collection of poems about her cancer journey. She was observed looking at an art display inside the Intermountain Health Advanced Medicine Pavilion, located at 750 Wellington Ave., on October 8.
Her motivation to share comes from the support she received during her own diagnosis. Myers stated that when she first posted about her diagnosis online, many women immediately offered to speak with her, sharing their mastectomy and hormone therapy experiences. This outpouring of support inspires her to do the same for other women.
Myers, an upstate New York native, had her first encounter with a breast lump in her late 20s. Though benign, this incident made her aware that she faced a higher risk than most women. She has consistently used poetry to process grief and has found ways to incorporate humor into her writing, even during dark times. Her new breast cancer poems aim to blend grief with humor, addressing topics like the decision to have a mastectomy.
Breast cancer is a common diagnosis, affecting roughly one in eight women in their lifetimes. While it is most prevalent in women over 55, with screenings typically recommended once women turn 40, Intermountain Health oncologist Alicia Swink noted that diagnoses are becoming more common in younger women, even those in their early 30s.
Swink, who is the medical director of oncology for Intermountain Health, explained that various factors can elevate an individual's risk, necessitating earlier screenings. A family history of breast cancer or other cancers, such as prostate, pancreatic, ovarian, or uterine cancer, can significantly increase a woman’s risk. Knowing one's family history is crucial for understanding personal risk, especially if there is any history of male breast cancer in the family. Swink added that individuals who are adopted or unsure of their family history are also considered at risk.
Breast density is another complex factor for women. Dense breast tissue can make mammograms harder to interpret, similar to trying to see through a “blizzard,” according to Swink. In such cases, additional imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI, may be required to detect abnormalities.
Myers emphasized that while it might be tempting to ignore potential risks, proactivity is essential for early detection. She also believes that understanding one’s personal risk can help individuals mentally prepare for their future. Knowing in advance provides answers and allows for earlier treatment, leading to a much better likelihood of survival. Myers highlighted that fear and ignoring symptoms can result in worse outcomes, even though treatments are now available for women with stage 4 metastatic cancer.
Despite foresight and preparation, Myers acknowledged that any breast cancer diagnosis is initially terrifying, especially when the severity is unknown. She said the initial terror, when in the dark without answers, felt like she would never sleep again. However, as one begins to understand their journey, the ability to acclimate quickly is possible, provided one is willing to embrace the change. Myers wants others to know that their current feelings will not necessarily be how they feel several months down the road, and that even with challenges like hormone therapy, it is possible to be okay.
Her upcoming poetry collection, which focuses on her breast cancer experience, is tentatively titled “Jump to Recipe.” Myers explained that after cancer, she became impatient, much like wanting to skip directly to an online recipe without reading a long story. This collection will add to her published works, which include “Warble,” a book exploring her grief after her father’s passing.
