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White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles Shares Breast Cancer Diagnosis

A woman sitting at a table looking out, she has her hands clasped together in front of her, she has on a dark suit jacket

Health & Wellness

On Monday, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles discussed her early-stage breast cancer diagnosis at a meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington D.C.

Early-stage breast cancer means tumors are less than 2 centimeters and haven’t spread to other parts of the body. Treatment can include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, or targeted therapies.

Wiles emphasized that early diagnosis is making all the difference in her treatment plan, and it’s allowing her to continue working. In the U.S., about one in eight women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lives.

What are some of the risks for breast cancer?

At 68, Wiles’ risk for breast cancer is higher due to age. The American Cancer Society recommends women to start annual breast cancer screenings at 45 years old, with the option to begin at 40. Some risks for breast cancer include:

  • Genetic factors: Some women inherit or have a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene that can increase the chance of cancer.
  • First-degree family history: Women with a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer are at a much higher risk.
  • Dense breast tissue: Dense breast tissue can raise the risk of breast cancer; it also makes it more difficult to detect on a mammogram. Those with dense breast issue are recommended to have supplemental screening like an ultrasound along with their routine mammogram.

Knowing your risk and having regular breast cancer screenings is an easy way to avoid a more serious cancer diagnosis. Jackson Health System offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and breast diseases.

To learn more or make an appointment, visit JacksonBreastHealth.org or call 305-585-6000.

Image: The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons