PORTLAND, Ore. - Last summer, Problem Solver Reporter Shellie Bailey-Shah was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.  She also underwent chemotherapy.

Throughout her struggle, Shellie has been open about her experience in the hopes that it will teach others about the importance of self examinations and early detection.

In this latest update, she visits a V.A. hospital and tells other cancer survivors to live boldly and to not let their cancer be a defining moment in their lives.

"I would hope we can take our cancer experiences and turn them into something positive and life affirming," she said.  "And not to let cancer define you but to take this opportunity to let you define yourself."

Hundreds of women have gotten mammograms after hearing Shellie's story and she knows of three who found cancer that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Watch her full talk below:

Breast Exams

One of the most effective and easiest ways to detect breast cancer is to do a regular self exam but not enough women do it.  Here are some resources to help you get started:

• Early detection and screening
• Breast self-awareness

OHSU Cancer Institute offers workshops on how to perform the new self breast exam for women who are at a higher risk. To schedule an appointment to learn how to perform the new self exam, contact Joan Laufer, N.P., (503) 418-8048; lauferj@ohsu.edu. 

General Information About Breast Cancer

• Genetics and breast cancer risk
• Susan G. Komen
• Oregon Health and Science University