When Laura Kopecky went in for her annual mammogram at RiverView Health in June 2025, she wasn’t worried about breast cancer. She had no symptoms and no reason to think anything was wrong.
However, her routine screening mammogram revealed something that needed a closer look.
A radiologist noted a mass in Laura’s right breast, prompting her to return to RiverView for additional imaging. A diagnostic mammogram and breast ultrasound confirmed there was a true mass. A biopsy performed that same day ultimately confirmed what no one wants to hear: cancer.
Laura was 41 years old.
She was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, but because it was caught early through her routine mammogram, she was able to quickly begin treatment. On Sept. 26, 2025, she underwent a lumpectomy at RiverView Health with general surgeon Dr. Brett Vibeto. She later received radiation therapy and continues to have monthly blood work and receive a medication injection that she expects to continue for the next five to 10 years.
Today, Laura, who lives north of Crookston near Euclid, is doing well and continuing to monitor her health.
She hopes her experience will serve as a reminder to other women about the importance of routine mammograms.
“My advice is go in and get checked,” she shared. “It’s so important to catch things early. I had no symptoms, so who knows how much worse it would have been if I had waited until I noticed symptoms.”
A Routine Appointment That Made a Difference
Laura hadn’t always been diligent about keeping up with annual exams. That changed in her late 20s when she ended up in the emergency room and was diagnosed with severe endometriosis that required surgery.
“After that I made sure to go in when I was due for any exams,” she said.
That decision ultimately became an important part of her breast health, too.
Laura’s grandmother on her father’s side had breast cancer, but Laura never experienced symptoms that would have prompted her to seek care for a breast concern. Thankfully, she continued with her routine screenings and went in for the mammogram that would change her life.
Alisa Leas, radiologic technologist and head of RiverView’s mammography program, said Laura’s experience is a powerful reminder of why routine screening matters.
“Laura’s been a great patient with a positive attitude throughout her exams and procedures here. And, in my personal opinion, she’s the perfect example of why getting your annual screening mammogram is so important. You just truly never know.”
A Positive Attitude Makes a Difference
A cancer diagnosis can bring fear and uncertainty, and Laura admits she felt both.
“I was terrified, but I think it just makes everything harder if you keep thinking the worst or are angry throughout the whole process,” she said. “And all the doctors and nurses are so positive it’s hard to not be the same.”
Through it all, she said the support she received at RiverView made a difference.
“My RiverView experience was amazing,” she reported. “Everyone from Alisa (Leas) to Dr. Vibeto were awesome. They explained everything so well and really listened to my questions and concerns.”
She also appreciates the collaboration between RiverView and the Cancer Center of North Dakota, which allows oncologist Dr. Anil Potti to see patients in Crookston. Dr. Potti offers follow-up visits, infusion therapy and diagnostic radiology at RiverView monthly.
“It makes it so much easier than driving to Grand Forks,” she said.
Don’t Wait for a Symptom
Laura’s story carries a simple message: don’t wait until something feels wrong to get checked.
She had no symptoms. She wasn’t experiencing pain or noticing a change in her breast. Her cancer was found during a screening mammogram, when it was still at an early stage.
As October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month begin, Laura hopes her experience will encourage other women to make their breast health a priority.
“Go in and get checked,” she said. “It is so important to catch things early.”
If you’re due for your mammogram, make the appointment. You truly never know.
It is recommended that women of average risk undergo a mammogram annually, starting at age 40. Women with a personal history of breast cancer, dense breasts or certain genetic mutations may be at higher risk. All women should discuss screening options with their primary care provider.
A referral for a mammogram is not needed. To schedule a mammogram, call RiverView’s Diagnostic Imaging Department at 218-281-9428.
