In January 2025, Dani Kurtz felt a lump in her right armpit only weeks before a scheduled mammogram. Although the subsequent mammogram returned a normal result, the persistent lump prompted further investigation. Additional imaging, including an ultrasound and magnetic resonance scan, uncovered seven tumors across both breasts. A biopsy later confirmed the presence of cancer, delivering the diagnosis she had feared.
Dense breast tissue can hide tumors
Kurtz, a former labor‑and‑delivery nurse now working in human resources for Intermountain Healthcare, explained that women with dense breast tissue are often warned that standard mammography may miss tumors. Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram, the same color as cancerous growths, making it difficult for radiologists to differentiate between normal and abnormal tissue. This limitation is a key reason why supplemental tests such as ultrasounds or MRIs are recommended for women with high breast density.
Following her diagnosis, Kurtz underwent a bilateral mastectomy and completed sixteen rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, finishing treatment by the end of 2025. She described the journey as challenging but ultimately concluding with a sense of relief, noting, “There was a day I didn’t think it would end, but it did.”
Now an advocate for proactive health care, Kurtz urges other women—especially mothers and caregivers—to prioritize their own well‑being. She stresses the importance of listening to one’s body, speaking up about any changes, and engaging in open dialogue with physicians who can determine whether further testing is warranted.
Utah pushes for higher screening rates
Dr. Jonathan Shakespear, medical director of Intermountain Medical Center’s Breast Care Center, highlighted that regular mammography saves lives. He acknowledged that busy schedules often deter women from timely screening, but emphasized that even infrequent mammograms are better than none.
According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, 63.8% of women aged 40 and older in the state have had a mammogram within the past two years. The state has set a goal to raise that figure to 81% by 2030, aiming to catch cancers earlier when they are more treatable.
To facilitate easier access, Intermountain Health introduced an online scheduling platform that lets patients compare available mammography appointments across multiple locations and book directly. The tool is designed to reduce wait times, allowing a woman who might face a two‑week delay at one site to find a next‑day opening elsewhere.
Kurtz reflected on life after treatment, noting a family saying that adversity can either make one bitter or better. She chose the latter, expressing gratitude for her experience and encouraging others to adopt a similar outlook.
Overall, Kurtz’s story illustrates both the personal challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis and the broader public‑health imperative to improve screening accessibility, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
Helene Elliott is the Lead Science & Space Reporter at News Raise. She reports on aerospace missions, astrophysics discoveries, quantum research, and environmental technology.
