Arkansas Mom Beats Breast Cancer After 20-Year Delay

A lump that seemed harmless for 20 years turned out to be breast cancer, but today Shamim Okolloh is cancer-free and using her story to save lives.

The Little Rock banker and single mom of two knew she needed a mammogram at age 40. Between building her career, raising her kids, and co-authoring children's books with her son Liam, she kept putting it off.

When her doctor felt an unusually large lump during a routine physical, Shamim wasn't worried. She'd been told the same lump was fine two decades earlier.

This time, the mammogram at UAMS led to a biopsy. On the last day of summer, while making breakfast for her kids, she got the call that shattered her world.

"I'm educated. I have a master's. I know these things, but I still didn't prioritize my health," Shamim said.

Dr. Daniela Ochoa, her surgeon at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, sees this pattern often. Early breast cancer causes no pain or symptoms, making it dangerously easy to ignore screening appointments.

The diagnosis came with unexpected timing. Shamim and her young son were finishing their second children's book, "Ella the Banker: Let Us Save," when she learned she needed surgery.

Her procedure was scheduled the day before their trademark submission deadline. They postponed publication, and Shamim says the delay taught her what truly matters in life.

Why This Inspires

Shamim's honesty about her delay resonates because so many women face the same struggle. Career demands, family responsibilities, and the assumption that "I feel fine" convince smart, educated women to skip potentially lifesaving appointments.

Her story proves it's never too late to catch up on screening. After completing treatment and reconstruction, she's returned to her full life, now including a mission to share her message during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

For women without insurance, Arkansas offers the Breast Care program covering screenings and follow-ups at no cost. Shamim wants every woman to know that making time for a mammogram isn't selfish, it's essential.

Her second book with Liam finally published, more meaningful now than ever before.