WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA)-- "Cancer made me a better person. But I don't think it knew what kind of enemy it was dealing with because I certainly kicked its butt. It picked the wrong lady."
That lady is Captain Candice Adams, a 9-year veteran in the USAF. She's one of the 11-thousand women under age 30 who are diagnosed every year with breast cancer. Like a lot in her age group cancer never crossed her mind and she didn't do routine self exams.
"I just would go and be in the shower; I'd wash my chest and that was about it."
Candice was 29 when she learned the marble size lump she felt in her breast was one of the most aggressive cancer strains---Triple Negative.
"Finding out it was Triple Negative was worse than learning it was breast cancer. I was paralyzed with fear."
There to lift her up were her parents & brother & fiance Ryan. From then on Candice would fight cancer--- her way!
What came out of Candice taking control of her life was this web film --- Pink Kisses To Cancer.
From chemo to surgery and reconstruction, Candice shares her intimate, sometimes disturbing, often funny, emotional journey.
It was her chance to celebrate life, not just to survive And it was a way to educate & empower other young women.
"You have to be aware of your body and if you notice anything wrong...do something about it."
Candice says the chance of a recurrence is a daily, fleeting thought. But says she won't let that fear ever paralyze her again.
"Everyday I have to make the choice to be happy & not focus on it. And the more you do it, the easier it becomes."