A Young Mother’s Unexpected Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Where were you when you were 34? Maybe you were starting your dream job, raising children, or planning your next getaway. For Brittany Beaver, a vibrant mother of three boys (ages 4, 6 and 9), life took a turn she never expected.
A picture of health, Brittany ate clean, avoided toxins and stayed physically active. So, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2025, it came as a complete shock — despite a long and complicated family history with the disease. Still, as she put it, “Cancer doesn’t discriminate.” In her case, it didn’t care about age, lifestyle or preventative measures.
Family History Without a High-Risk Label
Cancer has deeply affected Brittany’s family. Both her maternal and paternal grandmothers were diagnosed with breast cancer later in life. One of her aunts faced it twice, once in her 60s and again in her 80s. Her father had skin cancer, and her grandfather battled prostate cancer.
According to the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool — a widely used model that calculates risk based on a variety of factors, Brittany didn’t classify as “high-risk”. After discussing her medical history with her primary care provider, Joni Zinser, CNP, at UC Health in Mason, she was referred to surgical oncology for a breast exam. The exam was normal. Due to her history, it was suggested that she see a genetic counselor. Since she didn’t meet the “high-risk" classification, the cost of seeing a genetic counselor and pursuing testing wasn’t covered by her insurance provider. With other life priorities to manage, Brittany chose to wait.
A Care Team That Took Her Seriously from the Start
In April 2024, Brittany began feeling unusually fatigued. She went to see Joni and underwent blood work. The results came back normal, but the care team didn’t dismiss her concerns. They listened, documented her symptoms and kept the conversation open.
That openness proved vital months later.
In January 2025, Brittany felt a lump in her left breast. The timing coincided with a friend’s recent experience with genetic testing, which prompted Brittany to trust her instincts and seek care immediately. Her gynecologist confirmed the presence of a lump and advised her to get it evaluated further.
Comprehensive Breast Imaging at UC Health
On February 17, Brittany arrived at UC Health for a mammogram. She originally planned to only image her left breast. But mammography technologist Denise gently encouraged her to scan both sides: “You’re already here — why not?”.
That extra step may have made all the difference.
The imaging showed calcifications, prompting radiologist Dr. Brian Guarnieri to recommend additional imaging. He performed an ultrasound and, unsatisfied with what he saw, called for a biopsy. Though Brittany was alone at the appointment, the care team was deeply empathetic. They arranged a follow-up that same day so her husband could be by her side.
Just two days later, Brittany received her diagnosis—ductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer. The results were visible on MyChart, but Dr. Guarnieri personally called to discuss the findings. Aware of the emotional weight, he offered to call again when Brittany’s husband could join the conversation, ensuring both were fully informed and supported.
Fast-Tracked Cancer Care and a Double Mastectomy
The days that followed moved quickly. Brittany was referred to Dr. Jaime Lewis, her medical oncologist at the Breast Cancer Center at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, who made room to see her the very same day. Dr. Lewis ordered an MRI that revealed a thickened lymph node. A subsequent biopsy showed that cancer had spread across 7.5 cm of her breast, necessitating a double mastectomy with reconstruction.
In early April, Brittany underwent her double mastectomy. Since reconstruction could not be completed at the time of the mastectomy, tissue expanders were placed in preparation. Once she has recovered, Dr. Ryan Gobble, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at UC Health, will lead her through the final stage of reconstruction.
