Turning a Cancer Diagnosis into a Community Mission

By Dr. Anu Thummala | Medical Oncologist, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada

Janice’s breast cancer journey began with a lesson she now shares with everyone she meets: trust your instincts and advocate for your health. Coming from a family with a strong history of breast cancer, including her mother and several aunts, Janice knew she faced an elevated risk. Genetic testing later confirmed she carried a hereditary mutation associated with breast cancer. 

In 2019, Janice received a routine mammogram that showed no signs of cancer. Months later, however, she discovered a lump and sought medical attention. Initial imaging suggested the issue was nothing more than clogged milk ducts, but Janice remained concerned as the lump continued to grow. Determined to find answers, she pushed for additional testing. A biopsy ultimately revealed HER2-positive breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease that can spread quickly without treatment. 

After researching her options, Janice chose Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada for her care. Under the guidance of the Comprehensive team, she began treatment in October 2020, undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy designed specifically for HER2-positive breast cancer. She completed chemotherapy in January 2021 and underwent a lumpectomy in March, followed by continued immunotherapy for a full year. 

Throughout treatment, Janice faced more than the physical challenges of cancer. Diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was living alone and navigating a period marked by uncertainty and isolation. The journey opened her eyes to the importance of accessible education, survivor connections and local support networks, ideas that would later become the foundation of her advocacy work. 

Rather than allowing those challenges to discourage her, Janice turned them into a purpose. After completing treatment, she founded the We Believe Foundation, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit dedicated to providing education, encouragement and resources to cancer patients, survivors and their families. 

Today, Janice spends much of her time connecting with individuals newly diagnosed with cancer, sharing her experience and helping others navigate their journeys. Through community events and educational programs, the foundation provides access to information about cancer screenings, survivorship, oral health during treatment and other important topics that patients may not always know to ask about. 

“My goal is to make sure no one feels alone,” Janice says. “Sometimes people just need someone who’s been through it to help point them in the right direction.” 

Janice’s story reflects the importance of early detection, self-advocacy and compassionate cancer care. Today, she remains cancer-free and continues using her experience to educate and empower others throughout Southern Nevada, proving that a diagnosis can become the beginning of a mission to help others. 

Anu Thummala, MD, is a medical oncologist at Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.