Survivor shares success story, helps others seek their own

Charlotte Mains, a breast cancer survivor and a dedicated advocate for early detection and women’s wellness, is on a mission to spread awareness about the importance of mammograms and self-examinations. As a remarkable testament to the power of early detection, and her tireless work with the Gift of Life organization that has helped countless individuals in their battle against breast cancer, Charlotte never misses a chance to share her story of survivorship.

Charlotte’s journey began in 2004 while living in Houston, when a routine mammogram revealed she had lobular carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. Remarkably, she didn’t experience any symptoms, and her experience underscores the critical role of regular m a m m o g r a m s , even for those without symptoms. Because Charlotte’s mother had previously battled breast cancer, she had been diligent about receiving annual mammograms since she turned 35 – a habit she has instilled into her own daughter, as well.

In 2015, Charlotte faced another diagnosis, this time ductal carcinoma, in her right breast. Given her past experience, and to avoid a third recurrence, she made the courageous decision to undergo a double mastectomy. This decision was supported by the fact that she had already had one lumpectomy in her right breast, and the double mastectomy seemed like the best course of action.

Speaking about her experience, Charlotte said, “I was the luckiest person – I was at MD Anderson, and they told me only 30% of people after a double mastectomy can get implants done at the same time, and I was in the 30% and woke up in the recovery room, and they were there – that’s how lucky I was.”

Charlotte’s resilient spirit and commitment to making a difference in the fight against breast cancer led her to begin volunteering locally nearly two decades ago. A friend involved with the Gift of Life organization recruited her as a volunteer.

Gift of Life is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free mammograms and breast cancer screenings to underserved women. Charlotte and her team at Gift of Life go the extra mile for the community they serve, conducting educational seminars at schools and women’s groups, and even cover prostate cancer for men’s groups, emphasizing the importance of early detection and screening for men, too.

Recounting her early awareness of breast cancer risks, Charlotte said, “I had been worried about getting cancer since I was 19, and watched my mother take chemo. I worried about it forever and, starting at 35, I had a mammogram every year.”

Charlotte emphasizes that it is crucial to start mammograms early, especially if you have a direct relative that has received breast cancer diagnosis.

“Your baseline is what starts it all off,” Charlotte shared. “It’s important that at 40 everyone starts getting tested, but MD Anderson said to start 10 years prior to a direct relative’s diagnosis.”

Her unwavering commitment to early detection and regular screenings is driven by her belief that catching breast cancer in its early stages is not only physically easier, but also emotionally and financially more manageable. She encourages women to get mammograms annually, stating, “Pick your reason – it’s easier on you physically if you find it early. If that doesn’t impress you, it’s easier on you emotionally; it’s easier financially – pick one or all three, but it’s so much easier to catch it early.”

Charlotte’s husband, Greg Mains, has been a pillar of support throughout her journey. The couple has a daughter that is now 35 years old and is due to start her mammograms this year. This family history of breast cancer highlights the importance of early screenings.

In addition to mammograms, Charlotte also emphasizes the significance of monthly self-breast examinations. She firmly believes that these examinations are crucial for detecting any changes promptly.

Charlotte’s message is clear: early detection can save lives, and no one should underestimate the power of regular screenings and self-examinations. The community is invited to support the efforts of the Gift of Life and the neverending crusade to save lives from cancers of all types when the nonprofit hosts the annual 5K Ribbon Run on Oct. 28 in downtown Beaumont.

Dedicated in loving memory of Julie Richardson Procter, the 5K Ribbon Run has evolved to include a Monster Dash, complete with trick-or-treating and a costume contest, as well as special guest musical performances and a lot of swag. To register for the popular event, visit giftoflifebmtorg.