When Lauren McDermott was 22, breast cancer became an unexpected part of her life, forcing her to pause her studies at Queen’s University and return home to Ontario for treatment. Her mother, Julie, worked through the role of caregiver while managing her own responsibilities, learning firsthand how rare and complex cancer care can be for young adults.
A Surprising Diagnosis
Lauren first noticed something unusual during a summer trip out west, feeling a mass in her breast that she initially dismissed as a cyst. She returned to Oakville, Ontario, to visit her family doctor before resuming her university term. An ultrasound confirmed something was present, though neither Lauren nor her mother immediately considered breast cancer as the cause.
“The biggest thing is, because of her age at the time, there’s not a lot of resources,” Julie explained. “Everything’s geared to older people.” In Canada, only 5.4% of breast cancer cases occur before age 40, according to the Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal. The disease is the leading cause of cancer death among women aged 30 to 54, often due to late diagnosis and more aggressive tumors.
When Lauren’s doctor referred her to oncology specialists, the team was surprised by the findings. “Do you smoke? No. Do you drink? No. What’s your diet like?” they asked, noting Lauren’s healthy lifestyle. Genetic testing revealed no markers, leaving the cause unexplained. Despite the shock, Lauren approached the diagnosis pragmatically, focusing on next steps rather than dwelling on “why me.”
Medical Decisions and Family Roles
Lauren’s surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto warned her of a challenging year but emphasized the treatment was curable. Lauren chose a double mastectomy over a lumpectomy to minimize recurrence risk. Younger patients often prioritize health over body image, a perspective that differed from older women’s concerns about losing their identities.
The family faced logistical challenges, including Lauren pausing her teaching degree and managing her brother’s concerns while he was away at university. Julie created a detailed notebook system to organize medical appointments, test results, and questions, allowing Lauren to focus on recovery. “I became very fixated on the process of it all,” Julie said, emphasizing the administrative demands of caregiving.
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Adjusting Treatment Plans
The original plan for surgery followed by chemotherapy had to be revised when a lymph node showed cancer spread. Chemotherapy began first, alongside fertility preservation through egg retrieval. “She did the egg retrieval and basically started chemo the next day. That’s how close the dates were,” Julie recalled, noting how quickly decisions had to be made. The emotional weight of considering future parenthood at 22 added another layer of complexity to the treatment.
Lauren’s resilience shone through unexpected moments, like traveling to Ireland during treatment and attending a Taylor Swift concert despite chemotherapy schedules. “People with cancer in their 20s are not living in a ‘bubble’ of treatment,” Julie observed, highlighting how Lauren balanced medical care with normal life.
Family relationships and Young Adult Cancer Support
Lauren has channeled her experience into advocacy, building online communities to connect with other young cancer patients. She shares her journey through social media, including documenting hair loss and recovery, and speaks at events to raise awareness. Her efforts reflect a commitment to supporting peers facing similar challenges.
Long-Term Management and New Beginnings
The medical follow-up schedule includes regular appointments with her surgeon and oncologist, ensuring any signs of recurrence are caught early. Lauren’s upcoming six-month teaching stint in Australia will require coordinating her treatment plan with healthcare providers abroad, demonstrating how treatment integrates into lifelong planning.
Julie’s media business with her husband Stephen reignited after the treatment year, focusing on social media campaigns and newsletters for growing companies. The partnership, which paused during the crisis, now provides structure and forward momentum for their shared future.
The family’s next chapter includes Lauren’s travel plans and career aspirations, supported by the resilience built during those intense months. “She’s so excited about that,” Julie says, referring to the Australia opportunity, while finalizing the medical logistics for her daughter’s extended absence.
