ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, it takes an unexpected turn. For Victoria Mangold, her life took a turn when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, just a week before her 27th birthday last year. The rare type of cancer she has is unusual for someone her age, and it came as a shock since she had no physical signs.

Victoria had been feeling unwell for weeks, so she was determined to get to the bottom of her symptoms and went to see a doctor. That's when she received the devastating news that she had cancer. 

What You Need To Know

  • Victoria, a young woman, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, which was unusual for her age and came as a shock since she had no physical signs of the disease

  • She underwent treatment for a year and despite the challenges she faced, she remained optimistic and fought courageously against her illness

  • Victoria's story highlights the importance of trusting one's body, advocating for oneself, and appreciating the little things in life

"It's very uncommon to find it in someone my age and the kind of cancer that I have. It's not genetics, it's not hormone-related. So we don't even know where it came from. So I felt like I got a notice that like, time's up. The countdown begins now. And that was scary for me," said Victoria Mangold.

"We know that triple-negative breast cancers can occur in younger women, and so we don't always know the exact reason why, just that there can be multiple factors that are involved," said Dr. Alissa Huston, a breast cancer oncologist at Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Victoria's story highlights the importance of advocating for oneself and trusting one's body. 

"It's very important to trust your body to advocate for yourself," Victoria said.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of survival. The American Cancer Society estimates that around 72,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with stage three breast cancer every year.

Victoria has been undergoing treatment for a year, and although it has been a difficult journey, she is making progress. Despite the challenges she has faced, Victoria remains optimistic and continues to fight courageously against her illness.

"Motivating just to see her perseverance and how she handles it and then what not to take for granted. I think we take for granted the little things every day but having to rearrange and a second, you know, from working from home or having to cancel or move an appointment and the seamlessness of it and the importance of it, and it makes you appreciate the things you have a whole lot more," said Michael McLean, Victoria's boyfriend.