A Story of Faith, Strength, and Survival: Phyllis Looney-Jones Shares Her Breast Cancer Journey
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, remember those we've lost, and encourage women to prioritize their breast health. At HAPPI Health, we believe that sharing personal stories can inspire others to take charge of their health and remind those facing a diagnosis that they are not alone.
For this special edition of HAPPI Chats, we had the privilege of hearing from Phyllis Looney-Jones, a breast cancer survivor, wife, mother, and active member of the Huntsville community. Her story is one of unwavering faith, resilience, and the importance of advocating for your own health.
A Diagnosis She Never Expected
In 2017, Phyllis went in for what she thought would be another routine mammogram. She had always taken her breast health seriously, performing monthly self-exams and faithfully scheduling her annual mammograms.
With no history of breast cancer in her immediate family, she had no reason to believe anything was wrong.
"My mother didn't have it. My grandmother didn't have it. Great-grandmother never had it. I was the first one to get it," she shared.
But during that appointment, Phyllis experienced something she describes as a message from the Holy Spirit telling her she had breast cancer.
Trusting her faith and intuition, she spoke up.
That decision would change her life.
Doctors discovered a 1.6-centimeter mass in her left breast. Because Phyllis has dense breast tissue, she believes the cancer could have gone undetected through her regular self-exams or a traditional 2D mammogram.
"If I had not acted on what he said, they would have never found it," she recalled.
Her experience highlights an important message: You know your body, and speaking up about your concerns matters.
Facing Breast Cancer With Courage
Following her diagnosis, Phyllis underwent surgery to remove the tumor and ultimately chose to have a bilateral mastectomy.
In January 2018, she began chemotherapy, undergoing six months of intensive treatment before transitioning to additional treatment that July.
The journey was not easy, but Phyllis remained determined to keep moving forward.
In February 2019, she reached a milestone she would never forget: ringing the bell to mark the completion of her treatment.
Today, Phyllis proudly shares that she is cancer-free.
"God is good. I have not slowed down. I think I've sped up a little bit more than what I should have," she said.
Rather than allowing her diagnosis to define her, Phyllis has continued embracing life, her family, her career, her faith, and her community.
The Importance of Early Detection
One of the most powerful lessons from Phyllis's experience is that breast cancer does not always come with noticeable symptoms or a family history.
Even though she regularly performed self-exams, she never felt a lump or noticed anything unusual.
Her story also brings attention to breast density, which can make it more difficult to identify cancer on a mammogram.
Women with dense breast tissue should speak with their healthcare providers about their individual risk factors and whether additional screening may be appropriate.
Early detection can make a life-changing difference.
At HAPPI Health, we encourage women to:
Stay up to date with recommended mammograms and preventive screenings.
Talk with their healthcare provider about their personal and family health history.
Become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel.
Report any unusual changes, even if a recent mammogram was normal.
Ask questions about breast density and whether additional screening is needed.
While many women begin routine mammograms at age 40, screening recommendations may vary based on individual risk factors. Your healthcare provider can help determine the right screening schedule for you.
A Message of Hope for Others
For women who have recently received a breast cancer diagnosis, Phyllis wants them to know that their lives are not over.
"Breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence anymore," she shared.
She recognizes that even women facing advanced breast cancer can find hope, support, and meaningful moments throughout their journeys.
"You do not have to stop living because of the diagnosis."
Phyllis encourages others to remain prayerful, surround themselves with supportive people, and continue finding joy in everyday life.
"Do not lose faith. Continue to be prayerful. Surround yourself with like-minded people."
Her words are a reminder that no two cancer journeys are the same, but nobody should have to face the experience alone.
Living Life Beyond Breast Cancer
Nearly a decade after her diagnosis, Phyllis continues to approach each day with gratitude.
She is a mother, wife, professional, community member, and, most importantly, a woman who refuses to let cancer define her story.
"Each day I wake up and I thank God for allowing me to be cancer-free."
Her journey reminds us that breast cancer awareness is about more than wearing pink during October. It's about encouraging conversations, supporting those undergoing treatment, celebrating survivors, and helping people access the preventive care they need.
At HAPPI Health, we are incredibly grateful to Phyllis Looney-Jones for sharing her story and using her voice to inspire others.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to take that next step for your health. Whether it's scheduling a mammogram, discussing your risk factors with your healthcare provider, or reminding a loved one to prioritize their screenings, every action matters.
Watch our special HAPPI Chat featuring Phyllis Looney-Jones to hear her inspiring journey in her own words.
Because awareness matters. Early detection matters. And every story of survival deserves to be heard.
HAPPI Health is committed to helping our community access quality, compassionate healthcare and preventive services.
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