Breast cancer survivor explains how early detection saved her life

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Anj Oto’s life was turned upside down when, at 33 years old, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.
“I always knew that it was a risk for me. I had never thought it would happen so soon. I was what I felt was the healthiest and most fit I had ever been. There were no symptoms that I was feeling or noticing,” Oto said.
Oto is a third-generation breast cancer survivor, so she was eligible for early mammogram screenings. She was diagnosed with Stage 1, ER+ HER2+ breast cancer in 2022.
“I think that’s why it’s so important. In Asian culture, sometimes we don’t talk about family history. Sometimes we put off that annual screening, and that’s why it’s so important to prioritize your health,” she said.
Following her diagnosis, she decided to use her lifelong career in storytelling to help patients and caregivers navigate their experiences with cancer.
Oto is also participating in Reclaim October, a nationwide effort to educate people about the experience of having breast cancer. It also raises awareness of the dangers of pinkwashing, a marketing tactic that exploits breast cancer by using the color pink to sell products during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
“Cancer isn’t always pink, pretty tutus, fun happy endings. It can be really difficult for many of us. It’s the hardest experience we’ve ever gone through. Reclaim October really draws attention to that,” Oto said.
Oto says before buying a pink product in the name of breast cancer research, make sure the proceeds actually benefit a cancer organization.
For example, Oto partnered with the local clothing company Fighting Eel to design breast cancer awareness T-shirts. One-hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the new Martha B. Smith Cancer and Infusion Center at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children.
Oto also stresses the importance of regular screenings.
“Know your family history and get checked. Make sure that you’re going to those annual screenings, because the earlier that you can catch cancer or any other sort of health condition, the better,” she advised.
Learn more about Reclaim October here.

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