WKU graduate transforms her breast cancer journey into empowering advocacy

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, we are reminded of the resilience and strength of those affected by this disease. One such individual is Jessica Baladad, a five-year cancer survivor who transformed her personal experience into a powerful advocacy tool for others.

Jessica’s breast cancer journey began at just 18 years old while she was a freshman at Western Kentucky University. During a routine self-exam, she discovered a benign tumor known as a fibroadenoma. This early experience instilled in her the importance of monitoring her breast health.

“My breast cancer story actually starts when I was 18 years old. I accidentally stumbled upon a lump in my breast,” Jessica recalls. “That experience put me in the habit of performing self-exams. So when I was 33 years old, 15 years later, I found a lump in my left breast. It was eventually diagnosed as stage two breast cancer, and it’s led me to inspire women and empower them to take action in their breast health and advocate for themselves.”

In response to the challenges many women faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jessica created the “Feel for Your Life” app to empower women in their breast health journey. Recognizing that many were missing essential screenings, she sought to create a resource that would encourage proactive health management.

“During the pandemic, when women were missing their screenings and felt powerless in their health, I learned that women were being diagnosed with late-stage cancers because they were missing their mammograms,” she explains. “A self-exam saved my life, so I wanted other women to be empowered to do that too.”

The app not only guides women through the self-exam process but also tracks their progress and sets monthly reminders. “I created the tools and resources that I wish I had before and during my breast cancer diagnosis. Just to have it accessible and available at all times is so important,” Jessica emphasizes.

Beyond tracking self-exams, Jessica highlights the need for early detection and proactive health measures. She encourages individuals to find doctors who will advocate for their health needs and emphasizes the importance of self-exams and screenings.

“Find a doctor who will advocate with you and meet your goals. Do your self-exams, get screened, and talk to your doctor about getting into a screening routine,” she advises.

Jessica’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of awareness, education, and community support in the fight against breast cancer. For more information on the “Feel for Your Life” app and resources for breast health, visit the app’s website. Together, we can make a difference this Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.