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Breast Cancer Care Knowledge Is Power | Early Detection of Breast Cancer Saves Lives
“You have to choose life. To make the decision to fight and never give up,” said Maria Diaz of Corvallis when asked what advice she has for others facing a cancer diagnosis.In early 2020, Diaz began her normal daily routine. Wake up, get ready, head to work. On this day though, while applying deodorant, Diaz felt a hard lump in her left armpit. Not experiencing any pain or sickness, she continued as usual.
Some time had passed, and still not experiencing discomfort, Diaz went to see her family doctor. Further testing confirmed she had locally advanced breast cancer, stage IIIB. Specifically, triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma.
Diaz underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.
As a cancer survivor, Diaz is grateful for family, her care team and God for giving her another life to live.
“Never take life for granted – you only have one!” said Jeanette Campagna of Florence.
Following a routine mammogram in November 2019, Campagna was diagnosed with clinical stage 1 estrogen-positive breast cancer, an invasive ductal carcinoma.
Further biopsy determined that three of the four tumors in various quadrants of the breast were positive, leaving Campagna with only one option, a total left breast mastectomy.
Campagna turned her experience into action. Alongside fellow breast cancer survivor Sonia Graham, she co-founded the Coast Busters Walk, an annual community event that raises awareness and helps support local women affected by breast cancer.
Today, Campagna is thriving as a breast cancer survivor and proudly celebrates being cancer-free.
“You have cancer, cancer doesn’t have you!” was the motto that guided Sonia Graham of Newport through her breast cancer journey.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 after discovering a lump during a routine self-exam, Sonia faced treatment with remarkable strength. Yet some of her most meaningful work happened outside the clinic.
Alongside fellow breast cancer survivor Jeanette Campagna, Sonia co-founded the Coast Busters Walk, a Newport event created to raise breast cancer awareness and support local women affected by the disease. What began as a shared idea between friends grew into a community tradition, raising funds that stay local and help others find support, hope and connection during their own cancer journeys.
Sonia passed away in October 2024, but the annual Coast Busters Walk continues today. Through the event she helped create, her spirit of hope, generosity and determination continues to inspire and support others throughout the Newport community.
Samaritan Health Services offers 3-D mammography (tomosynthese exam), plus other imaging services at all diagnostic imaging locations. Fina a location near you and schedule a screening.
The breast center offers specialty breast care and surgical oncology, from prevention and screening, to diagnosis and treatment of conditions like cancer or benign lesions.
The Samaritan Cancer Program is an advanced cancer treatment network, caring for you and your loved ones on this journey, from diagnosis to treatment and onto survivorship.
Concerned about the cost related to breast cancer screenings? Contact the Samaritan Cancer Resource Center to learn about financial assistance options.
Call:541-768-2171 or 541-812-5888
