Tell us about your breast cancer journey. How did you discover it?

Like many women, I put my own health on the back burner during a challenging time in my life. After losing my job and health insurance during the COVID pandemic, regular screenings, including mammograms, just didn’t feel like a priority. With no family history of breast cancer, I mistakenly thought I could afford to wait.

Everything changed when a few pre-cancerous spots were found on my mom’s mammogram. Thankfully, they were caught early, and she had surgery followed by hormone-blocking medication. That was a wake-up call for all of us. By then, I was employed again and finally had access to great healthcare benefits. I scheduled a mammogram—just to be safe.

After that screening, I got a call from my doctor. There were a couple of suspicious areas. A follow-up mammogram and ultrasound confirmed I needed a biopsy. The results came back: Stage 1 breast cancer.

I was referred to Dr. Bower, who performed my surgery. He was able to remove all of the cancer, as well as a few pre-cancerous areas, with clear margins. Two lymph nodes were also removed and showed no signs of cancer. That meant it hadn’t spread, which was a huge relief. After surgery, I began treatment with Dr. Sai. I was fortunate to avoid chemotherapy but did go through a course of radiation. Just recently, I finished my final treatment and got to ring the bell—a moment I’ll never forget.

How have you kept a positive attitude through your treatments?

I am incredibly blessed with a strong support system. My parents, friends, and coworkers were always there—whether I needed a shoulder to cry on, a pep talk, or just someone to listen. And I cannot say enough about the amazing team at the AdventHealth Freytag Cancer Center.

From the therapists to the nurses, every single person I met was a light in a dark time. They always had smiles, kind words, and laughter to share. They weren’t just there to treat me—they were there to see me, and make sure I was okay physically and emotionally.

One moment that still makes me laugh happened during check-in. Because I had late afternoon appointments, I’d always call from the front desk to let them know I had arrived. I started to recognize everyone’s voice—until one day, a new one answered. I asked who it was, and he said, “You don’t know me, but I know you!” Turns out, it was the physicist who had been planning my radiation treatments. That moment of unexpected humor meant so much—and he even showed up to my bell-ringing ceremony to share the story with everyone.

Is there anything special your family or friends did to keep you motivated?

Absolutely. They checked in constantly, sent encouraging messages, and shared their own stories to remind me I wasn’t alone. Whether it was a funny meme, a thoughtful gift, or just a “thinking of you” text—it all made a difference. They helped me stay grounded and hopeful, even on the hard days.

How has this impacted your outlook on life?

It’s been a powerful reminder that life is fragile, and things can change in an instant—even when you think you’re “safe.” I’ve learned it’s not about what happens to you, but how you choose to respond. My mantra throughout this journey has been “Let go, let God.”

That simple phrase reminded me every day to surrender my fears and trust that there’s a bigger plan. I found peace in that. I still do.

What advice would you give other women about screenings and detection?

Do not skip your mammograms. I delayed mine, and while I’m incredibly grateful mine was caught early, I can’t help but wonder if it could have been avoided altogether. It’s scary, yes—but breast cancer is no longer a death sentence. Treatment has come so far, and early detection truly saves lives. Be proactive. You are your own best advocate.

Regan Hansen will serve as the 2025 AdventHealth Palm Coast Pink Army Survivor Champion and 5K Race Starter on October 5, 2025. To learn more about the event, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PalmCoast/pink5k.

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