Vernon woman could have kept breasts if cancer diagnosis was today

When Vernon's Meghan Kreuger was diagnosed with aggressive Stage 3 breast cancer just five years ago, her life-saving treatment included a radical double mastectomy.

With poignant reflection, Kreuger notes that if she was diagnosed today her breasts could probably be saved.

In the past half decade, advancements have been so rapid in cancer care that treatments have been fine-tuned to be less invasive and more precise.

That means the type of cancer young wife and mother Kreguer had when she was just 30 could likely today be treated with the newest versions of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation.

Often, that trifecta holds the potential to eliminate the need for surgery such as removing breasts.

The BC Cancer Foundation is telling Kreuger's inspiring story to promote World Cancer Day on Feb. 4, spotlight advancements in cancer care in the Interior and encourage people to donate the foundation here: https://bccancerfoundation.com/why-give/beyond-belief/interior/

At the forefront of this evolution in cancer care is BC Cancer's innovative Surgical Oncology Research Program in Kelowna.

Dr. Chris Baliski leads the research program and is launching clinical trials for prevalent cancers like breast, melanoma and thyroid.

It means enhanced regional care in centres like Kelowna.

This month, Dr. Baliski's program is also starting a groundbreaking procedure to prevent lymphedema, which helps with the assessment and removal of lymph nodes that are an important part of the management for some cancers, including breast.

It's all about revolutionized treatment, less invasive methods and better outcomes.

Kreuger, who is now 35, underwent surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and a radical double mastectomy five years ago for her treatment.

At the time, she spoke openly about losing her hair and breasts and how that tested societal ideas of femininity.

Now, instead of focusing on loss, she chooses gratitude -- a mindset that now shapes her daily life.

Sharing her story has helped others and it's also inspired her to strive to help even more people by pursuing a career as a paramedic.

Her husband, Mike, is also involved, serving with the BC Cancer Foundation's Interior Transformation Council.

_{Thumbnail photos from the BC Cancer Foundation}