Young Woman's Breast Cancer Journey After Initial Benign Diagnosis
When Klarissa Theophanous discovered a lump in her right breast during a shower in May 2025, she initially hoped it was nothing serious, a common reaction among young women. At just 23 years old and nearing completion of her social work degree, she had no reason to suspect anything was seriously wrong.
"I was having a shower and I just noticed a lump in my right breast," Klarissa, now 24, explained. "You could put a finger on either side and just move it around - it felt like a little ball. I was immediately quite scared, so I told my mum straight away and we booked an appointment at our local GP."
Initial Assessment and Growing Uncertainty
An ultrasound was arranged the same week, and due to her age, medical professionals suggested it was likely a fibroadenoma - a benign breast lump frequently found in young women. She received a specialist referral as a precautionary measure.
"I was still finishing off my subjects at uni so it was okay for me to put it on the backburner given [doctors said] it wasn't a health concern," she recalled.
However, months passed and her certainty diminished. Despite repeated follow-ups, Klarissa remained stuck on a waitlist.
"My mum and I were constantly calling the place I was referred to to see if I had an appointment yet. They just kept saying there's a waitlist, and you'll be notified."
By late November and early December 2025, as she completed her academic year, she noticed changes.
"I had noticed that it felt like it had grown a little bit," she said. "There was always a bit of a fear within yourself. But when you're reassured that it's okay, that's what you listen to."
Her mother's persistence and Klarissa's own instincts led them to seek another referral.
"I'm glad we did that," she emphasized. "Otherwise, I have no idea where I would be now."
Surgical Procedure and Shocking Diagnosis
Klarissa eventually scheduled surgery to remove what everyone still believed was a fibroadenoma. She met the surgeon on the day of the procedure.
"He was really lovely. He said, 'No need to worry, we'll get this removed for you'."
Days later, she received a life-altering phone call.
"I got a call asking me to come in and bring family members. That was really scary," Klarissa remembered.
The biopsy results revealed Grade 3 breast cancer. During surgery, doctors had unknowingly removed a 5.2cm tumour from her right breast.
"They pretty much removed the cancer, which they didn't know they were doing. The doctor was also shocked," she said.
Rapid Treatment and Fertility Decisions
Within five weeks, Klarissa underwent three surgeries: lymph node biopsies, chemotherapy port insertion, and egg retrieval. She also underwent genetic testing, PET scans, and CT scans amid concerns about cancer spread.
At just 23, she faced critical fertility decisions.
"The doctor was really great with organising my fertility journey so I could store my eggs, because chemotherapy could potentially never allow you to conceive by yourself," she explained.
Klarissa later discovered she doesn't carry breast cancer genes but has Lynch syndrome - an inherited condition increasing the risk of developing certain cancers at younger ages. People with Lynch syndrome are more likely to develop colorectal and endometrial cancers.
According to Cancer Council Victoria, Lynch syndrome represents the most common inherited cancer risk in Australia, with approximately one in 280 Australians believed to carry the mismatch repair gene deficiency. However, only 5% of Australians with Lynch syndrome have been diagnosed.
Detection involves a simple blood test, particularly recommended for those diagnosed with Lynch syndrome-related cancers or with relevant family history. This test examines DNA samples for faulty copies of mismatch repair genes.
Intensive Treatment and Side Effects
Klarissa has begun an intensive six-month chemotherapy regimen, starting with what she describes as the "Red Devil"-type chemotherapy.
"It's really strong and does a lot of things to your body, which is quite scary," she said.
The side effects have been relentless and comprehensive:
- Severe fatigue and brain fog
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and taste alterations
- Early menopause symptoms including hot flushes and night sweats
- Hair loss and identity challenges
- Skin, nail, gum, and immune system impacts
"It's weird at 24 that I'm going through menopause. Hot flushes, night sweats - it's another thing I'm trying to deal with," she shared.
Regarding hair preservation attempts, she noted: "Cold capping is painful - it's like a brain-freeze headache for extra hours during treatment - and it's not guaranteed to save your hair."
Her compromised immune system requires careful management.
"I'm really immunodeficient and vulnerable. I have to inject myself after treatment to raise my white blood cell count," she explained.
To maintain safety, she limits social contact - a significant adjustment for a young woman accustomed to an active lifestyle.
Emotional Impact and Financial Burden
Klarissa describes the emotional toll of being diagnosed in her early twenties as overwhelming.
"Everyone around me was in disbelief. Friends, family - they were really shocked and sad."
She experiences grief for the life she expected to live at this age, and cognitive challenges complicate daily activities.
"You become forgetful. Even just going on my laptop or making breakfast feels harder than it should."
Despite these challenges, she remains determined to complete her social work degree, with 500 hours of placement still required.
"I'm going to try my best to work through it. My uni and placement have been really supportive."
Beyond physical and emotional aspects, Klarissa highlights the substantial financial strain.
"You don't realise the financial burden. Different doctors, appointments, time off work - it's a huge toll."
Her family established a fundraiser to assist with treatment costs. In just five weeks, she faced multiple surgeries, fertility procedures, scans, and ongoing specialist visits.
"The fertility stuff is considered elective. There are ongoing storage costs you don't think about. I never imagined thinking about fertility at 23."
Even with private health insurance, many expenses remained uncovered.
"It's not the chemotherapy you're paying for. It's everything else - biopsies, constant doctor visits, parking at hospitals, appointments everywhere."
She advocates for greater public awareness about cancer's hidden costs.
"That's something that really needs to be spoken about. The financial burden is not talked about enough."
Coping Mechanisms and Self-Advocacy
Klarissa credits her family with providing essential support during her most difficult days.
"They cook things I feel like eating, go for walks with me, watch TV shows, movies. They help get me out of bed when I'm feeling mentally low."
She has embraced various coping strategies:
- Mindfulness and meditation practices
- Colouring and creative activities
- Yoga and gentle movement
- Maintaining social connections through friend visits
"I'm trying to give myself grace, and trying to stay uplifted and positive."
Reflecting on her experience, Klarissa emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and intuition.
"There was always a fear in yourself if something doesn't feel right. I'm glad we pushed to get it checked again."
Now, just six weeks into her diagnosis, she navigates chemotherapy, uncertainty, and the emotional upheaval of facing cancer in her early twenties.
"It's been a really big shock. I had no symptoms. No warning. It just… changed everything."
