Discovering a Lump Before Physician Assistant School
At age 26, Andrea de Armas noticed a lump in her breast prior to beginning a rigorous academic program to train as a physician assistant. Having no known family history of the disease, she sought an evaluation to ensure everything was clear before her heavy course load began.
During her initial ultrasound, De Armas felt that the technician dismissed her worries due to her young age. However, a radiologist subsequently examined the scans and urged that she undergo an immediate andrea de armas lump biopsy to investigate the mass further.
Navigating the Diagnosis and Treatment
Following the radiologist's recommendation, De Armas scheduled an appointment at Baptist Health's Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute. There, medical professionals performed another scan and a biopsy. Four days later—on the very day before her training program was scheduled to start—she was informed that the lump was malignant.
Determined to continue her education, De Armas balanced intensive medical treatments with her classes. She underwent a lumpectomy in early June during a break in her schedule, arriving for chemotherapy sessions as early as 6:50 a.m. before spending her afternoons studying. Later, she scheduled a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction during a winter break.
Life After Cancer and Moving Forward
Further medical testing revealed that De Armas carried a genetic mutation associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. She successfully graduated as a physician assistant in 2025 and secured employment in the field shortly after.
Now 30 years old, De Armas has completed her major surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, though she continues routine follow-ups with her oncologist and remains on hormone therapy due to the specific characteristics of her tumor. She hopes her journey highlights the realities of young adults facing unexpected health challenges.
Sources: CBS News, Yahoo Health.
