Vital Statistics
Karen M. Mann
  • Age 34
  • Resident of Lackawanna County
  • Breast Cancer Advocate
  • Mother of Two
  • Breast Cancer Survivor
In August of 2007, shortly after giving birth to her second child, Karen detected a lump on her breast. A few months later, a needle biopsy confirmed that Karen had breast cancer. She had just turned 33.

Karen began chemotherapy right away, followed by a bilateral mastectomy and radiation treatments. Initially, she participated in a cancer support group, but the core of her support came from her husband, parents, brother, extended family and friends. “They exude positivity and encouragement for me,” says Karen. Prayer and positive thinking also helped her heal.

In 2008, as a show of his support for her, Karen’s father participated in the Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3-Day and raised nearly $5,000 to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Karen made a pledge that she would join him the following year, and in October of 2009, Karen made good on her pledge and completed the 60-mile walk with her father and friends. The 2010 walk is already on her calendar!

Karen’s story shows that no one is too young to get breast cancer, and that women who are pregnant or who have just given birth are still at risk. “Pay attention to your bodies and note any changes,” she says. “That’s the key at any age.”