Houston Methodist patient and breast cancer survivor Vanessa Plascencia was a 21-year-old college student when she learned she had tested positive for a BRCA1 mutation, an inherited gene that can significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. While the test confirmed that her family’s history of cancer couldn’t be ignored, Plascencia never thought breast cancer would affect her at age 34.

 

At the time, Plascencia was thriving in her career as a special education teacher and had dreams of starting a family.

 

“I thought this was something that I wouldn’t have to deal with till I was in my 60s. I said I’ll have kids and a family first, and I’ll deal with it when I’m older. But cancer doesn’t work that way,” Plascencia said.

 

Breast and ovarian cancer have already affected multiple generations of Plascencia’s family. Her great-grandmother died of breast cancer and her grandmother died of ovarian cancer, while her mother and aunt underwent preventive surgeries after learning they carried the BRCA1 mutation.

 

In November 2022, Plascencia found a lump in her breast. She tried to brush it off and convinced herself it was related to her menstrual cycle, but deep down, something felt off. She eventually told her mom who drove her to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital the next day. The following day, Plascencia was diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer in her left breast and stage 1 disease in her right.

 

Plascencia began treatment shortly after which included 16 rounds of chemotherapy. In June 2023, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and received reconstruction later that year. She then completed nine sessions of immunotherapy treatments through February 2024 before transitioning to long-term hormone-blocking medications that she will take for up to three years to help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

 

One of Plascencia's biggest concerns during treatment was whether cancer would affect her ability to have children. She worked closely with Houston Methodist Sugar Land breast oncologist Dr. Sindhu Nair to discuss fertility preservation options before her treatment began. However, Plascencia worried that delaying her treatment could be risky given the aggressive nature of her cancer. She decided to prioritize beating cancer first.

 

“For young women facing a breast cancer diagnosis, discussions about fertility preservation should begin as early as possible,” Nair said. “When Vanessa was diagnosed, we coordinated fertility care before starting treatment so she could meet with a fertility specialist and understand her options. We also incorporated medications during treatment to help protect her egg health. Taking these steps early can give patients more options and greater peace of mind as they navigate cancer treatment and think about their future.”

 

In June 2026, Plascencia and her husband successfully underwent fertility treatment, which resulted in the retrieval of five mature eggs. Their hope is to begin the embryo transfer process in the summer of 2027 after Plascencia is done with her medication.

 

"Advances in breast cancer treatment and fertility preservation are creating more opportunities for young women to pursue their future family plans after cancer," Nair said. "Every patient's situation is unique, but ongoing research continues to help us balance effective cancer treatment with quality-of-life goals, including fertility and family building."

 

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Plascencia hopes her experience encourages others to be proactive and advocate for their health.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Screening can help detect cancer early when it is easier to treat. The CDC recommends regular mammograms starting at age 40 for women at average risk, while women with inherited mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 may require earlier and more intensive screening.

 

"Fight for the screenings. Ask questions. Get genetic testing if you have a family history," Plascencia said. "Breast cancer doesn't always fit the mold. It can happen to anyone at any age. One appointment, one ultrasound, one mammogram could make all the difference."