Alison McCullough, a 39-year-old model, discovered a lump under her arm while shaving in 2025. She was preparing for New York Fashion Week and knew her body well, prompting her to seek medical attention. However, accessing care proved difficult. A mobile mammogram provider turned her away because she was under 40, the age at which the American Cancer Society recommends regular mammograms. She then had to obtain a referral from her primary care provider, but faced long wait times in her home state of Alaska, where options were limited.
Nearly two months after finding the lump, McCullough was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form that accounts for 10% to 15% of all breast cancer cases. The delay in diagnosis added to the severity of her condition, requiring chemotherapy and other intensive treatments. McCullough expressed shock at the escalating severity of her diagnosis, from initial confirmation to learning about the BRCA-2 gene and the aggressive nature of her cancer.
Triple-negative breast cancer is particularly challenging to treat because it lacks the receptors that other breast cancers have, making it less responsive to targeted therapies. Dr. Erica Mayer, director of breast cancer clinical research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, confirmed that this subtype is more aggressive and requires a different treatment approach.
McCullough's experience highlights broader issues in cancer screening and access to care, particularly for younger women who may not meet the age criteria for regular screenings. Her case also underscores the importance of self-awareness and early detection, as she knew her body well enough to recognize the lump and seek medical attention.