Margaux Currie, vice president of Partner Services at Blue Shield of California, wasn't expecting a life-changing moment during a night out with her husband.
The couple was attending a concert when Currie noticed a small lump on her chest. She wasn't immediately alarmed. Like many people, she figured she could mention it at her next doctor's appointment. The next day, she discussed the lump during dinner with family. Most reassured her that it was probably nothing serious, but her mother-in-law saw it differently.
"Margaux, you get that checked out," she told her.
The comment stayed with her. Before the evening ended, Currie pulled out her phone and scheduled an appointment, a decision that may have saved her life. At the appointment, she learned she had Stage 3 breast cancer. She was 39 years old. "Everything freezes, and you feel like you're going to die," Currie said. "Everything you think you have to do, it just drops."
A diagnosis that changed everything
What followed was nearly three years of treatment, including six months of chemotherapy, six weeks of daily radiation treatments, a double mastectomy, and ongoing medication therapy. "When you catch breast cancer at Stage 3 versus Stage 1, this isn't a small difference," Currie said. "It was a years-long, demanding treatment regimen.”
Her experience also challenges a common misconception. "85% of women who get breast cancer are just like me," she said. "They have no family history and no genetic history of the disease." That’s why early detection matters. She encourages women to know what’s normal for their bodies - or “know their lemons” - pay attention to changes, and stay current on recommended screenings. “You need to get your mammogram every year after 40," she said. "You can't just do it once, set it, forget it, and wait a decade."
Breast cancer by the numbers
According to the American Cancer Society:
- About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.
- The five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer detected at a localized stage is greater than 99%, which is why early detection is key.
- About 1 in 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45.
Finding strength in community
While treatment tested her physically and emotionally, Currie found strength in a community of people who understood exactly what she was experiencing. "What was really noteworthy was connecting with survivors," she said. "The advice these survivors gave me was everything."
Today, in addition to her role at Blue Shield, Currie serves on the board of the American Cancer Society’s San Diego Chapter and on the Medical Advisory Board for the Tigerlily Foundation. On Oct. 18, she will be leading a team of Blue Shield employees participating in the San Diego Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, one of several walks across the state supported by Blue Shield through its collaboration with the American Cancer Society.
She is also part of the support system for others going through their own cancer diagnoses. "We text. We talk on the phone. I check up after chemo," she said. "I find a lot of joy in giving back. It's a joy to be on the other side now, and to help spread the word that a breast cancer diagnosis is not the end."
Learn more
Blue Shield resources
- Monitor your breast health: 5 Ways to Take Charge of Your Breast Health, from Blue Shield’s Dr. Jennifer Nuovo
- Find a provider and schedule a mammogram: Find A Doctor
- Learn more about screenings and prevention: What to know about breast cancer screenings and when
Other resources
- Assess your cancer risk: American Cancer Society CancerRisk360
- Learn more about breast cancer: American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Resources and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Breast Cancer Resources
Open enrollment reminder: Preventive care, including breast cancer screenings and mammograms, is typically covered at no out-of-pocket cost. Fall is open enrollment season, be sure you have the best health plan for your needs and preventive care.