Chilean Health Influencer Dies of Breast Cancer 9 Years After Diagnosis: What Signs to Watch For

After a protracted struggle with breast cancer, 30-year-old Chilean influencer Juanita Lira Eguiguren passed away, causing tragedy in the health and wellness world. Millions of people have been impacted by her story since she was just 22 years old when she was initially told

about her diagnosis in 2015, only a few days before she left for a trip that would change her life to further her studies in design in Barcelona, Spain. She was obliged to postpone the vacation and reorganize her entire life plan due to the cancer.

Lira was well-known for her upbeat attitude on life and her commitment to her health, which she upheld during her nine-year illness. She received radiotherapy, surgery, and other therapies after receiving her first diagnosis, all of which raised the possibility of remission.

She said at the time, “I had to face the disease and focus all my energy on getting better.” She thought she was recovering when, following a torturous three months of treatment, it was revealed that there were no longer any tumor cells in her body.

During this time, Lira thought she had recovered from her sickness and went back to school, finishing her degree in design and getting married.

However, the heartbreaking news that her cancer had returned and had now spread to her sternum, lymph nodes, and lungs arrived in 2017. Lira persisted in advocating for health and wellbeing in spite of these obstacles, sharing her experience on social media and inspiring thousands of followers in the process.

Her passing is a tragic reminder of the breast cancer’s unrelenting nature, as it continues to be the primary cause of cancer incidence and death for women worldwide.

The World Health Organization reports that over 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, and the disease claimed 670,000 lives globally. It highlights the worldwide significance of this disease as it accounts for 10% of cancer-related fatalities and 13.5% of new cancer cases in India alone.

Although breast cancer can change a person’s life, results can be significantly improved by early identification. Wockhardt Hospitals’ consultant oncologist, Dr. Tirathram Kaushik, stresses the significance of routine screening for women, particularly those over 40.

Setting up routine breast cancer screenings is essential. This lessens the harm done, raises the possibility of a successful course of therapy, and aids in the early discovery of the illness,” he says.

A mammogram is a specific kind of x-ray that is one of the best ways to find breast cancer early on, even before symptoms start to show. Regular mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40, while those with other risk factors or a family history of breast cancer may need to start earlier.

Understanding the warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer can be quite beneficial. Even while every case will manifest differently, typical signs and symptoms include:

Lira’s experience has had a lasting impact on the fitness and health community, especially for young women going through comparable struggles. Her support of physical fitness, mental wellness, and body positivity struck a chord with thousands of fans in Chile and abroad. She made use of her position, even in her last days, to encourage people to get screened for breast cancer and to pay attention to their bodies.

Lira’s legacy endures as a testament to the courage it takes to battle cancer and the value of early detection, even as the world grieves her loss. Women everywhere are reminded of the potentially life-saving benefits of routine screenings, self-examinations, and education.

Health advocates have not stopped highlighting the significance of early detection, access to quality medical care, and cancer awareness in the wake of Lira’s departure. These actions may eventually help save the loss of additional young lives to breast cancer.