Cancer researchers don’t always find themselves on the receiving end of a diagnosis, but that was the case for one Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) member, now a breast cancer survivor.
Veterinary radiation oncologist Kim Selting works with pets who have cancer, investigating new ways to help them and translating those advancements into human medicine. Selting regularly partners with breast cancer researchers and, several years ago, had firsthand experience with the disease.
In 2019, Selting noticed abnormalities in her breast. She had a mammogram and ultrasound and was told she had cystic changes – all benign. She wasn’t entirely surprised by the results.
“I was over 50, so it seemed natural that there would be some changes,” said Selting.
Veterinary radiation oncologist and CCIL researcher, Kim Selting
A few months later, still having issues, she went back to the doctor. She had another mammogram, another ultrasound, and a 3D ultrasound. Her results remained the same. It was March 2020, mere weeks before lockdowns began, so Selting decided to hold off on any exploratory procedures.
When restrictions started to lift that summer, she contacted a surgeon with training in both benign and malignant breast diseases, hoping to get to the bottom of the complications she still faced.
“As soon as she started to examine me, she said, ‘Oh my goodness, this is not normal. You need an MRI.’”
An MRI and biopsy confirmed Selting’s suspicions. She was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion, an early form of breast cancer.
“I have no family history of it, and I’ve mindfully lived my life to decrease my risk,” said Selting. “I asked my doctor, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ She answered simply, ‘One in eight.’”
One in eight is a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. The disease is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, behind lung cancer, although rates have been falling since the early 1990s. Experts attribute that decrease to earlier screenings, increased awareness, and better treatments.
Selting’s treatment plan didn’t include chemotherapy, but she had a complete mastectomy and sentinel lymph node removal on the affected side followed by several reconstructive surgeries. Breast conservation was not an option due to the size of the tumor at the time of diagnosis.
“The big question on the table was whether I needed radiation because the margins were very narrow. I was fortunate because I work in radiation oncology and could get in touch with some people who specialize in radiation therapy for breast cancer. I got their feedback and then made the decision not to pursue radiation.”
Selting was given the all-clear in early 2021 and now receives annual follow-ups. She will always have some uncertainty in the back of her mind about her health, given the unpredictability of cancer and the unique circumstances surrounding her diagnosis. She refuses to let the experience define her life and believes focusing on the present is essential.
“I tell my pet owners, ‘Cancer does what cancer wants.’ All we can do is control our response because sometimes cancer happens when it shouldn’t, and we have to accept the fact that we don’t know why.”
Through her experience, Selting has had empowering conversations with other women about the importance of advocating for yourself and finding community when you need support. Her journey has also confirmed her perspective on the importance of cancer research and the CCIL’s mission to help people live cancer-free lives.
“I get excited about opportunities to contribute to breast cancer research,” said Selting. “Our work is helping each individual patient within human or veterinary medicine. We’re gathering information that helps us build a better future. It’s very rewarding to be a part of it all.”
Editor’s Note:
This story was written by Jessica Clegg, CCIL Communications Team