Nikkole Ruley Jones was only 39 years old when she was diagnosed with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer.  “When you're first diagnosed with breast cancer, a lot comes at you really fast. And it seems like it's never-ending, and you're stuck in a nightmare that you can't seem to wake up from.”

She shared her experience at a breast cancer awareness webinar presented by the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, a program of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center. Research indicates that women who smoke or have a history of smoking are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who have never smoked. Additionally, smoking can also increase the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence and mortality after diagnosis.

Nikkole underwent a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction before undergoing four rounds of chemotherapy. On December 27, 2022, she was deemed cancer free. She is taking it one day at a time to remain cancer-free and offered advice for women who might be undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Nikkole visits a cancer survivorship group once a month “to be in a room with people that understand and get it… we're like a family. The group is very supportive and everyone leans on each other. We share our stories.If we are struggling with doubts or fear, we encourage one another. It's certainly helped us throughout.”

She also stressed the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy. The mother of two kept up with activities with her kids and family as much as she could. Like many cancer patients, she lost all of her hair but wearing wigs and makeup and drawing on eyebrows made her feel better.  “When I looked in the mirror. I didn't see a sick person,” she said. Nikkole kept physically active and is grateful her husband made her take walks every day.  “He'd motivate me and say,  ‘Let's go. We're going. We can do this. Those are just all great supports,” she said.

Denise Cox, a  patient navigator for the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program (LBCHP) at LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health, presented information on the importance of regular breast cancer screenings and mammograms.  She urged women to conduct breast self-examinations and undergo mammograms for those age 40+, or younger if they have a history of breast cancer or symptoms. LBCHP helps qualifying women receive low-cost mammograms and pap smears.  

The Centers for Disease Control developed the breast and cervical cancer early detection program. and their mission was to provide low cost, timely screenings to uninsured and underserved women. "That's what we do at the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program.," she told the group. "We provide low cost mammograms and pap smears. We help navigate patients who are qualified to help them overcome barriers that will otherwise stop them from receiving a mammogram."

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Watch the webinar: