As Breast Cancer Awareness Month spotlights resilience and advocacy, Cynthia Smith, program director for WBLS, bravely opens up about her journey with breast cancer. Diagnosed in 2016, Smith’s story is a testament to courage, community, and self-care in the face of adversity. She shared her experiences and insights in an exclusive interview, reflecting on her journey from initial shock to remission in 2022, six years later.
A Shocking Diagnosis and the Power of Positivity for Cynthia Smith
Smith recalls vividly the moment she received the life-altering news. “I had broken my toe that morning, which kept me home from work. That Friday, my doctor called, and as I sat there at home, she told me I’d tested positive for breast cancer,” she says. “In that moment, it felt like my life had ended. I started thinking about my death and worrying about how my daughter would grow up without me.”
The initial days following her diagnosis were a whirlwind of medical appointments and tests. “That day, I got calls from five or six different doctors arranging appointments,” she recalls. “I didn’t even fully understand what all of them would be doing; it was overwhelming.” Smith’s private nature shaped her decision not to immediately share her diagnosis with colleagues. “I didn’t want sympathy, and I didn’t want people doubting my ability to finish a major project I was leading at work. So, I waited to tell them,” she explains.
Support, Strength, and the Role of Community
Smith’s personal strength and the support of her inner circle became crucial pillars in her fight. Family and friends attended appointments with her and offered practical and emotional support throughout her treatments and recovery. “They helped me stay focused, encouraged me to eat healthily, and reminded me to take care of myself,” Smith notes gratefully. “They were there from the beginning to recovery, making sure I did everything I needed to.”
During the years of treatment, Smith’s perspective on life shifted significantly. Her daughter became a central figure in her journey, providing strength and encouragement. “My daughter is a warrior, she never let me feel sorry for myself,” Smith says. “She even gave me a necklace to remind me that I overcame this. ‘Mom, look at this as a reminder of your strength, not the cancer,’ she told me. It was such a beautiful gesture that I hold dear.”
Life in Remission: Moving Forward with Purpose and Advocacy
Smith’s remission has not meant a return to a ‘normal’ life, but rather an embrace of a “heightened awareness,” as she calls it. She remains vigilant, undergoing mammograms and checkups twice a year to catch any early signs of recurrence. “I’m always asking myself if I’ve done everything this year—every checkup, every question for my oncologist, every piece of advice—to make sure I’m as healthy as I can be,” she reflects. “It’s not something you ever really stop thinking about, but I’ve learned to manage that anxiety and live fully with it.”
The journey has also motivated her to encourage others to prioritize early detection. “I didn’t think I would ever get breast cancer,” Smith says, “but my experience has prompted many people around me to be more proactive about their health.” Although mammograms and screenings can be daunting, she emphasizes their importance. “It’s a hard process—getting a mammogram is no walk in the park—but it’s necessary. As women, we have to check. You just never know.”
For additional support, Smith joined a hospital-led support group, finding comfort in hearing others’ stories and learning practical tips for life post-treatment. “You learn things doctors might not tell you, like flying with a compression sleeve or giving blood from only one arm,” she shares. “These insights were invaluable for adjusting to life after surgery.”
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to stories like that of Cynthia Smith, her reflections are a powerful reminder of both the strength and vulnerability that define survivorship. “There’s always a bit of fear going into each mammogram, but I know I’ve done everything I can,” she concludes. “This journey has taught me resilience, and if my story can inspire even one person to get checked, it’s worth sharing.”
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