Breast cancer survivor shares the importance of self

HELENA — Breast cancer affects hundreds of Montanans every year, but for survivor Katie Beall, the diagnosis became a turning point not just in her life, but in how she inspires others.

“I value my health and the chance to be alive,” Beall said.

(WATCH: Breast cancer survivor shares the importance of self-exams) Breast cancer survivor shares the importance of self-exams

At just 34 years old, Beall was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer.

Beall says, “Breast cancer is so complicated; everyone’s treatment plan will be different, and mine took a whole year.”

A year of chemo, radiation, surgery, and trying to balance life.

“The physical rigors of breast cancer treatment are exhausting, and on the worst days, I would break it down to like get through the next fifteen minutes, then g