Breast cancer knows no boundaries – affecting more than 2 million women every year. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we share the story of Taryn Southern, an award-winning speaker and filmmaker whose breast cancer journey is a powerful example of strength and resilience.
In 2019, Taryn was diagnosed with aggressive stage 3 breast cancer at 33 immediately following the premiere of her debut documentary, I AM HUMAN, at the Tribeca Film Festival. She recalls the experience as one of the hardest challenges in her life – one marked not only by the physical toll but also by the emotional and psychological impacts.
Facing breast cancer at a young age presents unique challenges that few can truly comprehend. Studies show that young women diagnosed with cancer are more likely to experience emotional distress due to isolation and the severe disruption to career and family planning. There is also a significant financial strain among younger patients due to having generally lower incomes and savings. In addition, they are also more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage and with more aggressive cancer types than older women, resulting in lengthy and more aggressive treatment plans. Finally, young women bear a higher risk of cancer recurrence, perpetuating their state of hyper-vigilance and cancer-related anxiety later in life.
Southern describes the experience as a year marked by “terror, uncertainty and heartbreak” while going through twenty-six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, IV antibodies, and an estrogen blocker. Halfway through treatment, Southern’s weak immune system led to a development of cachexia, a dangerous metabolic syndrome where the body begins to quickly lose muscle mass, and shingles, a painful reactivation of chickenpox.
She writes of the experience on her instagram, “Bone pain. Stomach pain. Nerve pain. Muscle pain. Head pain. A medicine that will leave you sobbing nightly in a bathtub in inexplicable discomfort. Tidal-wave level night sweats, hot flashes, and steroid swelling.”
Despite these realities, Taryn kept a pragmatic view and used humor to cope. She named her tumor “Bob” and gave frequent updates on her progress on instagram. In the summer of 2020, Taryn completed treatment and was told by doctors she was in remission in the fall of 2021. That same year, she raised more than $7,000 for Hair to Stay, an organization that provides cold cap medical services to young women with breast cancer, and has since become an advocate for advanced research and prevention education in young adults.
Breast Cancer in Young Adults: An Alarming Trend
Between 2010 and 2019, there was a 19% increase in cancer diagnoses among young adults under the age of 35, primarily affecting women, with the highest incidence recorded in breast cancer cases.
Taryn has spoken out about this research on her social media and posed the question: what is driving this worrisome trend? Genetics are likely not driving these numbers, as prevention measures such as mammograms aren’t issued to women under 40. The increase is more likely the result of environmental factors like pollutants, microplastics, and other endocrine disruptors in makeup and other daily use products.
The importance of advanced research, accessible healthcare, emotional support, and community cannot be overstated. As Taryn continues to shine a light on these issues, it’s clear that there is much work to be done in ensuring that young women facing breast cancer have the resources and support they need.
Follow Taryn’s journey and continued advocacy work: www.instagram.com/tarynsouthern.
