Lorelei Colbert

October is a time of pink ribbons, pink hair, pink packaging, pink signs, pink shirts and pink whatever in the name of breast cancer “awareness.” As a triple-negative breast cancer survivor, I am grateful for the awareness that breast cancer has, but our society’s breast health education is what really needs the extra push.

Education is what makes the difference between finding a lump and getting a scan versus finding a lump and doing nothing about it. Education makes a difference between finding a lump and being given the choice to “wait and see” versus immediately getting that next available appointment. Education is knowing that breast cancer is not always a lump. It is telling our young women that they are not too young to face this diagnosis and reminding medical teams that this happens to young women, too. Education is telling men that they could also face this disease or carry a gene mutation that is associated with it.

October has become synonymous with the color pink and “fun” slogans. But what if it became synonymous with how to perform self-exams and educational breast health? We need to educate our youth on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and share the stories of those who have faced this disease.

At 28, I was told I didn’t need a breast exam, and in that same appointment a lump was found. At 28, a doctor saw that my lump was 3.6 cm in my right breast from an ultrasound, and in that same appointment I was recommended to wait six months before doing anything about it.

Weeks later, at 28, I was diagnosed with stage 2B, grade 3 triple-negative breast cancer, a disease known for being one of the most aggressive breast cancers with limited treatment options.

A gut feeling made me question not getting a breast exam, and another gut feeling made me push for the first available biopsy appointment following that ultrasound. But it shouldn’t take a gut feeling to be the difference for young women. Open dialogue and education on breast health can and will save lives.

Intentionally Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a Survivor

Breast cancer awareness month can carry a lot of emotions for survivors. I’ve noticed my own mixed feelings as I walk into stores and am surrounded by pink or see out-of-touch phrases. It’s a constant reminder of what we went through, and in some cases it can be extremely frustrating to see companies color something pink and say they are “raising awareness” without pushing resources or research forward.

It is important for those impacted by breast cancer to intentionally take this month on with what feels best for them. It may be advocating, partnering or signing off of social media if it feels too much.

I have had the opportunity to partner with amazing groups and causes to raise awareness, education and funds for research and survivors. My mission has been to shed light that women are not too young to be diagnosed with breast cancer, the impact of an act of kindness and TNBC. You’d be surprised to hear how many people do not realize there are different types of breast cancer and breast cancer treatments out there.

This year, I had the opportunity to model in a breast cancer campaign for 

. They joined together in support of the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, and AnaOno has vowed to donate 10% of their net sales to the TNBC Foundation to go towards TNBC research. It was truly an honor to be included in this campaign.

Lorelei had the opportunity to model for a campaign supporting the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. 

On a beautiful day in August, I made my way to a studio in Philadelphia to meet the team and experience the collection. On the day I arrived, the models were all TNBC survivors, some whom I’ve only met online. Tears of gratitude flooded by eyes on the drive out, in front of the camera and on the drive home.

It meant so much to celebrate and honor my body after all it's been through for a cause that hits close to home.

At age 28, I overcame eight rounds of dose dense AC/T chemotherapy through my port, medical menopause, weight gain, hair loss, stretch marks and more. A day after my 29th birthday, I had a non-nipple-sparing bilateral mastectomy where all my breast tissue and four lymph nodes were removed; I opted for reconstruction with implants that was completed a few months later.

But there I was, modeling a shirt that reminds women and survivors they are beautiful as they are — with boobs, foobs, one boob or no boobs. I was dancing in my underwear on a rooftop in this same body that has overcome so much — celebrating and eventually raising funds towards TNBC research. It was truly beautiful, and I think you can feel a little bit of my heart in this moment 

I recently wore some of the collection out in the real world and those feelings of gratitude, love and determination came flooding back. It's truly special and empowering to be surrounded by women who are determined to make an impact in this space and benefit research efforts by the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. This will be a memory I will always hold close to heart. 

"I recently wore some of the collection out in the real world and those feelings of gratitude, love and determination came flooding back," Lorelei said of a recent modeling opportunity to support the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

I’ve also been inspired by my fellow thrivers to courageously help push our educational efforts forward. This means having open conversations that can be difficult, or questioning the “why” and “what” behind certain campaigns. For companies and leaders who think they’re helping the “awareness” initiative with inappropriate slogans and pinkwashed goods to drive your bottom line, there’s a host of people and sources ready to help you do more and do better.

Instead of wearing pink for awareness and leaving it at that, wear pink and explain how to do a self-exam or raise funds that will go specifically towards research, resources or support programs for patients and survivors.

Opt for a new slogan in lieu of “save the tatas” or “save second base.” So many of my friends didn’t have the option to save their breasts. This is out of touch. Let’s make it about saving the person.

If you’re giving resources to women 40 and above, push to extend the offering to women younger than 40. Young women get breast cancer, too.

I am glad we are “aware” this October, but as a society are we aware that young women under 40 are getting breast cancer and dying from this disease? Talking about young women facing this disease can help.

Education can help. I challenge you to spread education with your awareness efforts. Lives depend on it.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to 

Articles

As a breast cancer survivor, I was intentional about spreading a certain messages this month: anyone can be diagnosed with breast cancer, and education about the disease could help save lives. 

Views on Breast Cancer Awareness Month from a TNBC Survivor

It’s been an unimaginable few weeks for our triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) community. Too many of our thriver sisters took their last breath, and many of us are balancing the emotions of being heartbroken, furious and grateful to be alive.

These women were in their 20s and 30s. They were moms, wives, daughters, friends and advocates. They contributed to our community with an incredible amount of vulnerability, honesty and love. TNBC is a beast, and our stage 4 thrivers need more — more research, more solutions, more years with their kids, more kisses and more life. We will continue to fight for more of these things.

As I faced TNBC at 28, I quickly learned the importance of being my own advocate and controlling what I could. These principles can help you face your current obstacle and shift your thoughts for a strong, positive mindset.

Another mantra that I’ve held close to my heart throughout treatment and survivorship has been 

. This word is French for “survive,” but when you break it down into its root words, it reads “on to live.” On to live. Forward motion. Onward. As we face the news of diagnoses and deaths, it is important to release and feel your feelings and then control what you can — onward.

When I think of my thriver sisters, I cling to that mantra more than ever. I can carry their light, their wisdom and their vulnerability forward and use it as the fuel that sets a blazing fire to raise awareness that young women are dying from this terrible disease. These young women deserve more, and we need to keep sharing their stories to bring about change.

Conversations About Breast Health in Young Women

, I wrote about the need to change the conversation and more broadly talk about breast health in young women. While the percentage of young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer is small, survival rates are worse compared to those of older women. Education and awareness can save lives.

Fellow young adult survivors reached out who were disappointed and angry that they weren’t educated beforehand. Other survivors and caregivers wanted to spread awareness. Some felt failed by medical professionals who advised they were “too young,” and some asked what to do next. My response: continue to share your story and the stories of others. Continue to raise awareness by raising hell.

One remarkable conversation that stemmed from my post was with Missy Peters, the founder and executive director of Young Breast Cancer Project (YBCP). While pregnant at the age of 34, she faced her own delayed diagnosis. Though the lump in her breast was found the week she found out she was pregnant, Missy’s primary care physician, obstetrician-gynecologist and radiologist did not see any cause for concern – even after an ultrasound. Missy was later diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma later on in her pregnancy. She gave birth four days later.

She turned to her passion for photography during treatment to capture other AYA (adolescent and young adult) breast cancer thrivers through compelling images and storytelling. She intuitively felt the need to raise awareness, and her Breast Cancer Portrait Project featured 100 diagnosis stories of AYA breast cancer. She shared with me a few exceptional stories of sisters who are no longer with us. These stories and experiences continue to fuel her fire onward.

Missy’s efforts led to community-based research to quantify what many young survivors were feeling. After she and Steph Tubman polled 455 AYA survivors in the United States, their results found:

70% made extra efforts after detecting an abnormality

62% say that a physician never educated them on breast health prior to diagnosis

The findings? Women under 40 face a significant delay in diagnosis contributed by both patient and medical provider perceptions. Breast health education matters – especially for young women.

Women Who Are Old Enough to Fight For Their Country…

My oncologist and I also discussed this topic at a recent follow-up appointment. She said two things that struck me:

I always say, ''Women who are old enough to fight for their country are old enough to get breast cancer.”

We really need more research for TNBC. Especially stage 4.

While the first point may sound oddly specific, as a military-spouse, I’ve been treated on a military base. (Though this isn’t the case for all military-affiliated patients.) It was refreshing to hear that she shares this message to a wider audience as a military leader and medical professional. Because let’s face it, the conversation and reminders need to happen.

When it came to point number two, my heart sank as it hit so close to home. We’ve talked about TNBC being a beast before. I’ve read about the terrible percentages, and I’ve learned from my own advocacy work that research is desperately needed. But again, it felt refreshing to hear a medical professional acknowledging the need for more, too.

As we look onward, I continue the conversation. I share our stories along with this hard truth. To our future sisters, you are not alone. I will continue to fight with hope in my heart for brighter tomorrows. I remember, honor, hope, breathe, be, love, survivre and vow to continue to fight like hell.

This post is dedicated to Heidi, Megan, Mary Alyce and every thriver who we continue the conversation for.

To learn more about Lorelei Colbert and her journey with TNBC, visit 

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to 

My doctor once told me that if you're old enough to fight for your country, then you're old enough to get breast cancer.

The Hard Truth About Young Women Facing Breast Cancer

From a 30-year-old breast cancer survivor, we need to start talking about breast health — and the potential of breast cancer — in young women before the age insurance tends to cover mammograms.

Though the risk of breast cancer is greater in older women, as a young adult survivor who faced stage 2, grade 3 

triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) at age 28,

 I am urging our society to expand the breast cancer narrative to improve the outcomes and experiences for our younger patients facing this disease.

My Breast Cancer Experience As a Young Adult

In August of 2020, I almost skipped my breast exam. Because I had a breast exam about a year and half prior and my genetic testing report came back negative for any gene mutations, the doctor felt comfortable with foregoing this less invasive test during an OBGYN appointment. But thanks to the energy of a nurse who questioned me not having it, I intuitively knew that I needed to advocate for myself by asking for the breast exam. In this appointment, a 3.6-cm lump was found in my right breast.

On the left, Lorelei Colbert poses for a photo in February 2021 after her last chemotherapy treatment. On the right, Colbert poses for a photo in May 2022 at the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Foundation Gala. 

After finding the lump, I was repeatedly told that I was too young to worry; and after having an ultrasound done, I was given the option to wait six months before getting the lump biopsied by a different doctor. I once again intuitively felt the need to advocate for myself and push for the first available appointment.

Less than three weeks from the initial find, I received the phone call that would change my life forever: I had breast cancer.

My Survivorship Experience As A Young Adult

Fast forward to today: I am at the point in survivorship where no one on the street would likely guess what I have been through unless they know me or I’ve told them. My hair is growing back (though I have gotten it cut and styled a couple times), I have lost most of the weight put on during chemotherapy, and my “foobs” (fake boobs via reconstruction following my bi-lateral mastectomy a day after my 29th birthday) look pretty good, too.

When I am out in public, I have received positive comments about sporting a “chic, short haircut” against the norm, and I’ve noticed it seems even more far-fetched when I say that the reason behind this haircut is because of the battle I faced not too long ago.

I write this from experience. And I write this now because I have recently noticed two trends after repeatedly sharing my experience. The first trend is the look of shock and disbelief from others when I say that I am a breast cancer survivor, even from those who intimately know this community. Beyond the strangers who I sometimes let into my not-so-secret diagnosis, two recent experiences particularly struck me.

About a month ago, I was playing pickleball across the country when I learned a fellow player was a breast radiologist. His jaw nearly hit the court, and his whole energy changed once I said I was a survivor — little did he know I had way more going on in my kitchen than being a feisty pickleball novice.

Then, I was working at an event where I spotted a fellow survivor who clearly (to me) had a single mastectomy. When she mentioned she was a survivor to the group, I shared that I, too, had endured a similar experience. After she got over the surprise factor, she thanked me for speaking up and saying something.

Colbert takes a selfie at an appointment weeks after a 3.6-cm lump was found in her right breast.

While these two interactions were different, the initial shock was the same. Both people are members in this breast cancer community and were surprised to hear that I had faced breast cancer, too. But this happens. Breast cancer in young adults happens. And as a young survivor, I have learned that I need to keep speaking up and sharing my story. There are lives that depend on it. If there is shock and disbelief in our own community, what does this go to say for the rest of society?

Breast Cancer Before 40, And Why We Need To Talk About It

The second recurring trend has been getting asked the same question by different people: “What’s the likelihood of getting breast cancer at your age?”

I did not know the answer to this question until turning to “Google University.” I found a few articles published from different research institutions stating that only 5 to 7% of women with breast cancer are diagnosed under the age of 40, the age in which mammograms tend to be covered and recommended in the United States.

From the article “Breast cancer before age 40 years” by Carey K. Anders and other oncology professionals around the country, “Approximately 7% of women with breast cancer are diagnosed before the age of 40 years, and this disease accounts for more than 40% of all cancer in women in this age group. Survival rates are worse when compared to those in older women.”

For me and many young women who I have come to know, we fall into this minority 7%. As young survivors diagnosed under 40, the journey of breast cancer can look vastly different. I’ve heard stories of:

young women being dismissed and/or delayed in their medical care because they are told they are too young by medical professionals

young mothers who thought they had a clogged milk duct and ignored the first symptoms

young women who have discovered their lump by doing a self-exam at home

young women whose partners found their lump(s) during intimacy

young women getting diagnosed after their qualifying early mammogram caught something because someone else in their family faced this beast

While each journey is unique, young survivors face a whole other obstacle when it comes to breast health– being heard and recognized. Breast cancer is not just an older woman’s disease, and we need to stop talking about it like it is. Hearing about grandmothers, aunts, moms, etc. getting breast cancer is not unusual. Hearing about my 24-year-old friend getting diagnosed with TNBC is. The likelihood is small, but the survival rates are worse.

Talk about breast cancer and breast health before 40

Encourage self-breast exams and for young people to get to know their body at an early age

Explore genetic testing routes if cancer runs in your family

Prioritize your health and go to routine appointments

Speak up and share your story if you’re a survivor, caregiver or friend

Support organizations dedicated to breast cancer research and support

As a society, we can lift up and recognize young survivors through advocacy and awareness. It could save someone’s life, if only we continue to talk about it.

To learn more about Lorelei Colbert, visit 


To see a recent video Lorelei created for self-breast exam awareness, you can watch this video from March: 

People are always shocked when I tell them I am a breast cancer survivor, highlighting the need to discuss the fact that people under the age of 40 can be diagnosed, too. 

We Need To Talk About Cancer and Breast Health Before Age 40

When I faced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) at 28, I would soon learn the importance of controlling what I could as I navigated my new life as an adolescent/young adult (AYA) cancer patient. My initial treatment plan included a biweekly regimen of neoadjuvant dose-dense ACT chemotherapy followed by surgery, and I could feel my mindset intensifying daily leading up to the start of it all.

On Oct. 19, 2020, I began treatment and discovered the importance of finding my own rhythm of resilience to show up as my best self on these hard days.

Here are 10 things that helped me show up — and continue showing up — for chemotherapy:

Two days after my port procedure — and days before I started chemotherapy — I proactively cut my long brownish-blonde hair and donated it. My oncologist and nurses advised that it would be gone in a few short weeks anyway, and I was not the same person who got

 weeks before. My external appearance now reflected this internal evolution as I prepared to step in the ring for battle.

2. I dug into my “why” and controlled what I could. 

I reminded myself that each chemo day was one small step forward in the mission to beat TNBC. I knew that I needed to show up to beat this beast, but how I showed up was up to me. This led to a vibrant mindset of determination and gratitude. I began sharing “Monday Motivations” that would stem from my experiences each week.

Besides my “why” of beating TNBC, my life mantras have always been to 

“seize the day” and “make an impact.”

 So I launched the Chemo to Kindness℠ Challenge on the day I started chemotherapy. This challenge encouraged my community to do 1,600 acts of kindness during my 16 weeks of treatment and tell me about it on social media. Before each chemo appointment, I would give a live update and get flooded with notifications of acts of kindness being done around the world in my honor. The challenge lifted me up while spreading awareness in the name of good.

Thanks to two generous friends, I was given two port sweatshirts that I regarded as my “game-day uniform.” I loved having my port sweatshirt ready to go on chemo days, and my team appreciated that I wore a garment that was accessible for us to conquer the day. I also wore comfortable workout pants, sneakers and bracelets with positive words and affirmations.

Even though masks were mandatory due to COVID-19, I did my makeup each chemo morning like I was going to pitch to the Sharks. It helped boost my self-esteem and made me feel good to get ready for the day.

6. I made a playlist for chemo mornings and hospital drives.

 It was helpful to have empowering songs in one place so I could listen to whatever I needed that day. I would start the playlist when I got in the shower that morning and continue listening on the drive. The playlist included all genres and even featured my husband’s favorite song in case he needed a boost. Some songs included “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman, “Chapters” by Brett Young and “We Ready” by Archie Eversole.

7. I took a shower with aromatherapy soap. 

Before leaving for the hospital, I would wake up and shower to start my day with soaps that calmed my senses. Mix this with the playlist, dancing and some air punches, and you can imagine the energy I was bringing into these days. This soap was especially helpful when my hair started to fall out, too. Control what you can, remember?


I made sure to always bring my water bottle with a plastic mouth, snacks, gum or ginger candies, a phone charger, a notebook, a blanket, music or reading materials…and thank you cards. When you shift your mindset from “this sucks to be sitting in a cancer chair” to gratitude for life and others, it makes a world of difference.

Each chemo morning between getting labs and starting chemo, we popped down to the hospital cafeteria for a short breakfast date. If you know you are showing up for a hard day, try to find a way to reward or treat yourself.

On the first day of chemo, I shared my GiveInKind website that organized meal requests and gifts during treatment. The love and support from others was astounding and eased our worries immensely. My family also supported me at home. It’s not always easy to accept, but it is ok to ask for help.

Shortly before I was diagnosed, I read Diane Couto’s article, “How Resilience Works” in Harvard Business Review’s 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself. Diane’s article boiled down resilience to three parts: face it head on, find your meaning, and continually improvise.

While every person’s journey and experience is unique to them, it is important to find your own unique rhythm of resilience. Chemotherapy and its accompanying side effects are hard enough without the added weight we put on ourselves. You can prepare for these hard days with your own list of favorite things that invigorate your senses and put you in the right mindset to show up as your best self.

Control what you can and know you are never alone in this fight.

If this resonates with you or a loved one facing cancer, please share this message. To connect with Lorelei, visit 

From my “game-day uniform” to a playlist that made me feel ready to seize the day, here’s what helped me prepare for my days in cancer treatment.

Lorelei Colbert

Views on Breast Cancer Awareness Month from a TNBC Survivor

The Hard Truth About Young Women Facing Breast Cancer

We Need To Talk About Cancer and Breast Health Before Age 40

10 Things That Helped Me Show Up for Chemo As My Best Self

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