Deb’s Story: The Life-Saving Power of Early Detection

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, support those currently in treatment, and remind one another of the life-saving importance of early detection. For Deb Stambler, a longtime employee at Fresenius Kabi, a routine mammogram made all the difference.

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

In 2008, Deb was in excellent health. She was proactive about self-exams and vigilant about her well-being. Even so, she was blindsided when a mammogram revealed an aggressive, triple negative breast cancer tumor that could not have been detected through self-checks alone.

Her oncologist stressed the urgency of treatment: survival depended on starting chemotherapy immediately. Deb embarked on six months of chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy; a grueling journey that required not only medical care, but also extraordinary determination.

Deb Stambler

A Battle Fought Twice

After her initial treatment, Deb remained in remission for seven years. When the same type of cancer returned in 2015, she faced it head-on once more with additional chemotherapy. Today, she has been cancer-free for 17 years. Through it all, she kept her mindset firm:

 “Cancer, you are not staying in my life.”

A Message of Hope and Urgency

Deb’s journey underscores an essential truth: early detection saves lives. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime1, and more than 42,000 women will die from the disease in 20252. Yet when breast cancer is detected early—at a localized stage—the five-year survival rate is over 99%3.

That’s why mammograms are critical. They can identify tumors long before they can be felt, giving women the best chance at effective treatment.

Deb’s Advice to Others

Deb is passionate about sharing what she has learned through her journey--read below for her advice.

  • Don’t delay your mammogram. “Life will always be busy, but your health can’t wait.  Taking the time to take care of yourself is important.”
  • Celebrate life’s moments. “Always celebrate your birthday, eat the cake, buy the shoes. Time is precious and never guaranteed.”

Take Action Today

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, honor Deb’s story by taking care of yourself and encouraging loved ones to do the same. Schedule your mammogram—it could save your life.

Sources:

1.     American Cancer Society. “How Common Is Breast Cancer?” Breast Cancer, 8 Jan. 2025, www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html.2.     “U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics.” Breastcancer.org, 2025, www.breastcancer.org/facts-statistics.3.     American Cancer Society. “Breast Cancer Survival Rates.” Breast Cancer, 8 Jan. 2025, www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/breast-cancer-survival-rates.html.