When I think about the women who inspire us to keep pushing forward in this work, one of the first names that comes to mind is Bershan Shaw. A coach, entrepreneur, author, and warrior, Bershan is also a breast cancer survivor whose story reminds us why awareness, access, and early detection are so vital—not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but every single day. 

I had the privilege of learning more about Bershan’s journey, and I’m honored to share her story here as part of BEA’s commitment to highlighting voices that embody strength, resilience, and advocacy. 

Bershan’s Journey 

Bershan’s story begins much like many others: with an unexpected discovery that forever altered the course of her life. At just 33 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She moved quickly to begin treatment and believed that by catching it early, she had gotten ahead of the disease. But cancer is unpredictable. Despite her efforts, the cancer spread, and within two years she was facing stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. 

Hearing her talk about those days, I was struck by her honesty. The fear was real. The anger and sadness were overwhelming. And yet, Bershan refused to be defined by her diagnosis. Instead, she leaned into her identity as a fighter. She combined Western medicine—chemotherapy, surgery, and medical interventions—with Eastern practices like mindfulness, holistic healing, and alternative therapies to support her body and spirit. For her, it wasn’t about choosing one approach over the other—it was about using every tool possible to survive. 

Today, at 51, Bershan continues to thrive and inspire, not only through her personal story but through her commitment to empowering other women to take charge of their health and their lives. 

Lessons We Can All Learn 

When I asked what she most wanted other women to know, Bershan’s answer was refreshingly straightforward: 

“Eat right, exercise, stop stressing, and get tested.” 

These words may sound simple, but they carry tremendous weight. Too many women put themselves last on the list, prioritizing careers, families, and responsibilities over their own wellbeing. Bershan’s message is clear—your health is non-negotiable. 

For her, the fight against cancer isn’t just about medical treatment—it’s about lifestyle and mindset. Nourishing your body with good food, moving it regularly, releasing stress, and making screenings a routine part of life are all ways to shift from being reactive to proactive. 

And that’s a lesson every woman, no matter her age, can take to heart. 

Why Early Detection Matters 

Bershan’s experience also shines a light on an uncomfortable truth: breast cancer does not wait until you turn 40. While guidelines often emphasize mammograms starting at that age, more and more young women are being diagnosed earlier. For Hispanic women, in particular, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, and barriers to early detection—like lack of access, language, insurance, or awareness—make the problem even more urgent. 

Traditional screening methods are effective, but they’re not always enough—especially for women with dense breast tissue or those under 40 who may not qualify for regular mammograms. This is where innovation becomes critical and Bexa Breast Exams step in-to bridge that gap and serve women of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds.  

The Role of Bexa 

At the Bexa Equity Alliance, we are committed to advancing access to technologies that close these gaps, and Bexa is one of the most promising tools available. 

Bexa is an FDA-cleared device that uses high-resolution elastography to map breast tissue and detect abnormalities. The exam is quick, painless, radiation-free, and provides immediate results. Women are seen by a female provider, treated with compassion, and supported with follow-up care if needed—all at no cost at BEA community hubs and events.  

For women like Bershan, who know firsthand how vital early detection is, technology like Bexa represents hope. It’s a way to ensure that women of all ages—including those under 40—don’t fall through the cracks. It’s also a way to bring screening directly into trusted community spaces, removing barriers and creating equity. 

How Bershan Inspires BEA’s Mission 

Bershan’s story resonates deeply with BEA’s mission of equity, access, and advocacy. Like her, we believe that no woman should ever be left behind when it comes to early detection. 

Her resilience is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. When women like Bershan share their journeys, they not only inspire hope but also empower others to act—whether that’s scheduling their first screening, sharing their story, or advocating for better resources in their community. 

At BEA, we know that creating change requires more than just technology. It requires community, trust, and powerful voices like Bershan’s to lead the way. That’s why we’re proud to highlight her story and celebrate her as part of our Breast Cancer Awareness Month spotlight. 

Bershan’s journey is proof that cancer is not a death sentence. It’s a wake-up call. It’s a chance to choose resilience, to fight with everything you’ve got, and to use your voice to make a difference. 

Her story is also a reminder that early detection saves lives. Whether through traditional screenings or innovative tools like Bexa, the most important thing you can do is act. Know your body. Speak up if something feels off. Don’t wait. 

And to every woman reading this, I encourage you to share your story. Your experience may be the one that inspires another woman to take her health seriously, to get tested, or to believe that survival—and thriving—is possible. 

At BEA, we are building a future where no woman is left behind, and that future is powered by voices like Bershan’s—and yours. 

So, as we honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s commit together to being proactive, to standing up, and to speaking out. Because the more stories we share, the more lives we save. 

Connect with Bershan Shaw: