"It Could Have Easily Been Missed;" Patient Credits Breast Exam With Early Cancer Diagnosis

OhioHealth patient Rachel Metzger almost didn't go to her well woman check in November of 2022.

Her doctor had just retired, so she was scheduled with a new one. Plus, there were closer providers for her to choose from. 

But she did end up going. And it may have saved her life.

“He started out with his normal breast exam and felt something in my left breast almost immediately,” said Metzger.

Andre Bown, DO, a gynecologist at both OhioHealth Marion General Hospital and Morrow County Hospital, felt something he thought wasn't right. 

A mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy later, it was confirmed to be Stage 1A Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, an early-stage breast cancer.

“I can’t help but say I’m shocked he found it because she said not everybody would," said Metzger. "She knew what to feel for from what he had written and from what the notes had said, but it was just so tiny. Barely a BB at that.”

Dr. Bown says he was simply doing his job. 

“I just happened to feel something on her and that led to an early diagnosis which is ultimately the goal," said Dr. Bown.

But that early diagnosis led to Metzger's eventual recovery.

She celebrated one year of being cancer-free this summer, a milestone she may not have gotten to if it weren't for that breast exam.

“Poster child forever- do your well woman exams, do your self exams… if you feel anything, even if it feels like a large piece of dust, you’ve got to have it looked at,” said Metzger.

For those who may feel uncomfortable getting a breast exam, Dr. Bown has a message.

“If you don’t do the appropriate screening, things can get missed,” said Dr. Bown. “I would say to the patient, people don’t typically like this exam, but it’s an exam for a reason.”

As for Metzger, she still sees oncologists as she continues her recovery after cancer. 

But she'll continue being diligent about her wellness checks, and says she'll be with Dr. Bown for the long-run.

“I will forever go,” said Metzger. “I don't know where I'll live but I will forever see Dr. Bown."