39-year-old Mother of 3 marks final chemotherapy during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the disease, encourage routine screenings and highlight the experiences of people diagnosed with breast cancer.

For 39-year-old Morgan Burns, the month carries added significance as she reaches a major milestone in her cancer treatment.

Burns, an active flight paramedic and mother of three, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast develop changes that cause them to grow uncontrollably. Those cells can form a mass or tumor, and the disease can spread to other parts of the body.

It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers.

Novant Health’s Dr. Fidel Valea says awareness and routine screening can help identify breast cancer earlier, when treatment may be more effective and less intensive.

“It’s important because by raising awareness, by making sure we screen our population, we can treat it earlier. That will make our treatments less aggressive, and provide better results,” Valea said.

For Burns, receiving the diagnosis at 39 was difficult, particularly as she considered what it could mean for her children.

“The first thing I thought about was my kids growing up without a mom,” Burns said.

On Thursday, Burns completed her 16th and final chemotherapy treatment, marking a significant step in her treatment journey.

Her experience highlights the importance of breast cancer awareness, early detection and access to medical care.