September 29, 2026
Catherine Thompson calls it the most terrifying word she could hear. Cancer.
On March 3, the then-44-year-old came to Denver Health for a routine mammogram, something she's been doing every year since she turned 40 at her doctor's recommendation. Her visits are usually a "quick in and out," as she described it, but this last one was different. Her radiologist noticed differences in her breast imaging and determined that she would need some more images taken. Thompson had a biopsy, and within 24 hours, the results came back. The doctor told her she had Stage 1 breast cancer.
Why a breast cancer diagnosis can be surprising
Thompson said the diagnosis was surprising to her because she lives a healthy and active life, eats well, walks 6 miles a day and has no family history of breast cancer.
"It was the most difficult time I've ever gone through," she said.
Thompson, a mother of two young adults and wife of Denver Health Paramedic Division assistant chief Mackennon Thompson, leaned on her family, friends and colleagues to be her support system throughout her most difficult health journey.
"It's not unusual to have breast cancer, even if you have no family history," said Laura Leonard, MD, Thompson's breast surgical oncologist at Denver Health. "That's why we recommend screening, starting at age 40 for all women, regardless of family history."
Dr. Leonard first saw Thompson just 10 days after her biopsy, a quick but necessary turnaround time with such a life-altering diagnosis.
"We hold spots for our cancer patients so that when a new diagnosis of cancer occurs, I can see those patients as soon as possible, to help reduce any anxiety during that waiting period," Dr. Leonard said.
Options for breast cancer care at Denver Health
"Dr. Leonard was amazing," Thompson said. "Very professional, very kind. She took her time to explain the diagnosis, to talk about the surgery."
In many cases, breast cancer patients at Denver Health are given multiple options for treatment, and whatever they choose, their care team will support them in that choice. Thompson decided to move forward with two surgeries at Denver Health after getting a second opinion at another hospital. All things being equal when it came to the quality of care and expertise, the thing that Thompson said made her choose Denver Health for her surgeries was the human connection from her caregivers and the good communication they provided.
"You can expect the best quality care for breast cancer care at Denver Health because we meet the highest standards," Dr. Leonard explained. "We've recently been accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, and that ensures our patients get the best care possible."
Genetic testing for cancer at Denver Health
After her breast cancer diagnosis, Thompson's care team recommended she get genetic testing, which is also offered on site through the Denver Health Breast Care Center. The testing is recommended for patients to help them better understand any genetic markers they may have and to help them manage any additional breast cancer or other cancer risk factors.
Thompson learned she didn't have any other breast cancer genes present, but did have risks for colorectal and uterine cancers. She said that the genetic information she received will not only help her, but also help her children manage their health into the future.
Recovery and spreading the word about breast cancer screening
"I'm feeling great today, doing really well," Thompson said.
Both surgeries were a success, and she completed radiation treatment. Thompson and Dr. Leonard urge everyone to talk to their doctor about getting regular mammograms because early detection and regular screenings do make a difference.
"One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes, and if we catch it early, when it's still localized, the five-year survival rate is 99%. So by catching cancers earlier, we are saving lives," Dr. Leonard said.
Breast cancer is the second leading cancer cause of death for women in the United States, behind lung cancer. Women who receive regular screenings for breast cancer have a 26% lower breast cancer death rate than women who do not receive screenings.
"I would absolutely recommend the Denver Health Breast Care Center," Thompson said.
She is spreading the word to anyone who will listen about the importance of regular breast exams. She especially wants to share the message with other women of color about the importance of taking care of their health. Thompson said that she felt "heard" at Denver Health and had a positive experience, something she said hasn't always been the case when it comes to getting medical care.
"It's so easy to get an exam," she said. "It's lifesaving."
