A Reminder in Pink Leah Adkins Urges Women Not to Skip Their Mammograms

A Reminder in Pink

Leah Adkins Urges Women Not

to Skip Their Mammograms

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

When life is running smoothly and you feel perfectly healthy, it’s easy to assume nothing is wrong — especially when there’s no family history of illness and no warning signs. But for Leah McCormick Adkins, what began as a routine mammogram during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic quickly turned into a life-changing discovery. Her story is a powerful testament to the importance of listening to your body, showing up for your health, and never skipping your annual screenings — no matter what.

Adkins, the wife of Rocky Adkins, Senior Advisor to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, never imagined she would be sharing a story about breast cancer. With no family history, no symptoms, and a healthy lifestyle, cancer was the last thing on her mind. But in November 2020, in the middle of a global pandemic, she kept an appointment that would ultimately save her life.

“I don’t talk about it a lot,” Adkins explained. “In November of 2020, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, I had made the appointment for a mammogram the year before just like I always do. I had thought about cancelling my appointment due to the pandemic that year but ended up driving down to Saint Joseph Breast Center in Lexington, which is where I had always gone, and got my annual exam.”

Adkins had always prioritized her annual mammograms since turning 39. “I have real dense breast so I—” she began, before reflecting on what happened next. When she arrived for her regular screening, the technicians noticed something that hadn’t been seen before.

“They told me that they had saw something but that they can’t really tell from the mammogram alone. So, they sent me for an ultrasound,” recalled Adkins. She continued, “They had told me that it was probably nothing to worry about. Which you know they say all the time. But they sent me for an ultrasound just to be on the safe side.”

After the ultrasound, the doctor suggested following up every six months — a cautious but routine recommendation. But just as Leah was about to leave, something changed.

Leah recalled, “The doctor stopped me and said, ‘Look… you have been coming every year the way we tell you to and this is the first time we have seen something like this on your scans. So, let’s just biopsy it to make sure.’”

That biopsy came back positive. Leah had Ductal Carcinoma — a common but serious form of breast cancer.

“It amazes me how every breast cancer is so different and how everyone’s treatment is unique to them and their situation,” Adkins shared.

In Adkins’ case, her biopsy results indicated that chemotherapy wasn’t necessary. “Mine came back that I didn’t need any chemo. I underwent a lumpectomy in early 2021. And then in March of 2021 I started radiation. Thankfully that was the only treatment that I had to do,” she explained.

It was a life-altering moment for someone who had never seen breast cancer affect her family. “I have no history of breast cancer in my family. In fact, both of my grandmothers lived well into their late 90’s.”

Today, Leah continues to go for annual checkups and regular screenings. But beyond her personal health routine, she’s become a voice of encouragement to other women who might think they’re too busy — or too healthy — to worry about something like breast cancer.

“Having breast cancer can be a very isolating experience,” she said. “It is so important to surround yourself with friends and family that are supportive.”

She added, “For me being diagnosed with breast cancer felt shocking. I couldn’t feel anything, I didn’t show any signs or symptoms and I have no history of breast cancer in my family. So going for my yearly mammograms quite literally saved my life.”

Adkins urges all women to prioritize their well-being. “The best thing you can do is get your yearly exam. Early detection is key! Women are often so busy they often push things like appointments to the wayside. But it only takes a short time to get a mammogram, and those few minutes dedicated to your health could be the reason you live a long happy life.”

“I believe that getting my yearly mammogram saved my life!” Adkins declared with conviction.

She also stresses the importance of taking care of both your physical and mental health during recovery. “Don’t get discouraged and just keep moving forward. Make sure you take care of yourself, go for a walk, get out in the sunshine, and drink plenty of water because the little things like this can make a big difference,” Adkins shared.

Throughout her journey, Leah and Rocky have made it their mission to help others gain access to the same lifesaving resources. Adkins noted, “Rocky and I have donated money for years to mammography accessible to all through mobile mammography units.” Leah added, “Being able to others have access to mammography is something that Rocky and I are really proud of.”

Adkins’ roots run deep in Kentucky. “I grew up in Northern Kentucky, in Erlanger but lived in Lexington for a few years. I went to Midway College and then I went to UK. I lived in Boston for about six years, came back and lived in Lexington until I moved here, and I have lived here for 25 years. So, it is where I call home,” she explained.

Her story is not just about breast cancer. It’s about listening to your intuition, showing up for yourself, and never underestimating the power of routine care. Adkins’ voice is a powerful one — not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but every month — reminding women everywhere that their health is worth fighting for.