Advocate, Survivor, and Breast Cancer Change Champion

Let's meet Diane Chen – a remarkable woman with an inspiring story of resilience, strength, and transformation. Diane's breast cancer journey began in the summer of 2018 when she got her diagnosis. She candidly recalls her initial thoughts: "Not again, my second cancer. Am I going to beat it this time and see my grandbabies growing up?" The emotions that followed – anger, fear, and overwhelming worry – were her constant companions.

Physically, breast cancer didn't harm her, but emotionally, it left her feeling lost and shattered. As she describes it, "I couldn't eat, didn't want to go out, didn't want to do anything." It was like battling not just the disease but also the weight of uncertainty.

Diane faced some unique challenges during her journey. One of the biggest hurdles was her lack of knowledge about breast cancer before her diagnosis. In her own words, "I was ignorant about breast cancer." But here's where Diane's spirit shines – she immediately took control of her health. She boldly switched her insurance and found a fantastic medical team at UCLA, and they became her pillars of support.

Diane's story underscores a vital message about breast cancer – it often remains silent until it's too late. She passionately reminds us, "I had no symptoms between my last negative mammogram and a stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis 18 months later." She urges us not to wait for symptoms and emphasizes the importance of routine medical care.

Diane's family played an essential role in her journey. Her husband and sons, including one who is a medical doctor and another a biomedical scientist, stood by her side, helping her navigate the complex world of breast cancer treatment. Diane's transformation was evident. She became "smarter," more confident, and deeply aware of the mind-body connection.

After her diagnosis, Diane underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatment, facing it all with remarkable resilience. Her advice to others facing breast cancer comes straight from the heart: "Learn as much evidence-based knowledge as possible, work closely with your care team, eat healthy, exercise, get adequate sleep, and keep yourself mentally sharp and healthy."

Diane's commitment to health and science goes beyond her personal journey. She's proudly participating in PicnicHealth's real-world data study because she believes in credible research's power to improve public health. As she puts it, "A reputable study like PicnicHealth can help spread credible information to the public."

Diane's story is a testament to the power of knowledge, resilience, and the unbreakable human spirit in the face of adversity. She's achieved personal milestones post-breast cancer, especially in her role as a practicing dietitian, helping patients become healthier physically and mentally.

Diane Chen embodies the spirit of a warrior and friend. She's an advocate for awareness and change in the realm of breast cancer. Her journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, is a wellspring of inspiration. We are incredibly fortunate to have Diane as a Change Champion.