Hope in Action: Preventing and Detecting Cancer Early
‘’Today, I’m grateful to be here, to share my story, and to encourage others to listen to their bodies and seek support earlier, when they need it. Prevention is extremely important and early detection makes all the difference.’’ LIZEL RAFIO, AFFECTED BY BREAST CANCER
Lizel has lived with breast cysts since her teenage years. After having a few removed, she was told she was simply a “cyst former” and when a new one appeared in her right breast years later, she wasn’t overly concerned. It was monitored regularly, and she continued with routine mammograms that always came back normal, until 2024.
During her latest screening, the technician spent more time than usual examining her breast, and Lizel was called back twice for additional imaging. This experience reminded her how important prevention and regular screening are. In her case, these routine visits allowed for early detection, something that likely saved her life, following her diagnosis with invasive ductal carcinoma.
“Hearing the word cancer was terrifying. All I could think about were the “what ifs.” What if it spreads? What if I wouldn’t get better? That period was filled with uncertainty and fear.
Guided by Hope, Care, and Recovery
Fortunately, Lizel was able to see a breast surgeon quickly and underwent a lumpectomy. Her recovery was fast and pain-free. Two months later, she began 16 cycles of radiation therapy. It was a challenging time, but Lizel found strength through hope and the unwavering support of her care team.
She recognized how research and innovation in cancer care made her recovery possible with advances that improve treatments, enhance early detection, and strengthen prevention. Breast cancer benefits not only from effective screening tests, but also from growing knowledge that helps researchers identify risks and target interventions more precisely. Yet breast cancer remains too common, underscoring the urgent need to keep investing in prevention, early detection, and research, not just for breast cancer, but for all types of cancer.
“To those who support the CRS: thank you. Your generosity helps ensure that people like me get the care, treatment, and hope we need. Your support truly makes a difference, and I’m living proof of that.”
Your story
Every experience counts. Whether you have been affected by cancer directly or indirectly, your story can offer comfort, inspire hope, and strengthen the sense of solidarity among those going through a similar challenge.