Karen Swartz was diligent about getting her annual mammogram. So, in late 2021, when she realized she hadn’t scheduled the routine screening, she called right away–not expecting this year’s result to be anything but routine. 

“I called the next day and got brought in that week to get it,” she says. “That’s when they found an area they wanted to look at closer.”

To her surprise, the biopsy revealed she had an early form of breast cancer. Karen needed a lumpectomy followed by 21 rounds of tiring radiation. At each step, her family, friends, and care team helped maintain what she says is vital throughout a cancer journey: hope. 

“Always hold onto hope that things will get better.” 

And for Karen, they did. She’s now cancer free and is back to her daily life, even completing the Air Force Half Marathon following her treatment. Now, she wants to give back. 

Screenings save lives

Karen was recently honored at the Dayton Dragons Cancer Awareness Game, throwing the first pitch to honor her journey while reminding others why it’s important to get annual mammograms. 

“I had no family history. I had no signs or symptoms. It was a routine screening, and we found it.” 

Because of her experience, she’s able to not only encourage cancer prevention but also support those who are undergoing treatment. As a mammography technician at Soin Medical Center, she relates to every patient she sees. 

“That’s why I got into mammography,” she shares. “I’ve been in radiology for over 20 years. And after that, I talked to my husband and said, ‘I really need to get into mammography, because I feel like I’m making a difference. I can save someone’s life like mine was saved.’” 

Need to schedule your mammogram? If you have MyChart, you can schedule your screening mammogram there. You can also fill out this form or call 1-800-373-2160.