Child Has Breast Cancer

A 10 year old California chld is a rare victim of breast cancer.  Hannah Powell-Auslam is a fifth grader and is being treated for breast cancer.

In late March, Hannah complained of itching so her mother took her into the bathroom to check for problems. She felt the growth.

Hannah had surgery to remove part of the mass in early April. Not all the tumor was removed because it had advanced into breast tissue that would not grow normally in adulthood if it was damaged. The removed portion was sent for tests. 

Carrie Auslam, Hannah’s mother said, ” They told me it was not breast cancer because breast cancer does not happen to children”. The tests came back in mid-April with a Stage 11A  Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, an adult form of breast cancer.  

When her parents broke the news to Hannah, she said, “I didn’t really know what cancer is. I just started crying and couldn’t stop.”

Hannah will probably have a mastectomy of her left breast. She will also likely face chemotherapy but her prognosis is good. Her cancer, characterized by smaller tumors found in the breast and minimal spread of the disease to the rest of the body. is very treatable.

Carrie Auslam said she hopes Hannah’s story will help kids communicate with parents about changes to their bodies that might indicate a problem. “Hannah knew about that lump but she thought it was part of growing up”, Auslam said.

Hannah had to leave the softball season early but her team, the Silver and Black Attack, are wearing pink hair ties and decals with her name and “No.11″ as a tribute to her for the rest of the season. Another team will wear pink uniforms for the rest of the season in her honor.

The 10 year old child says she wants to make her cancer a positive experience and is writing a book. “God chose me because He knows I’m a strong girl and I can get through it.

I pray you do Hannah.