October 20, 2009 Early detection is key in fighting breast cancer Play video

(NECN: Katie Daly, Worcester, Mass.) - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Doctors say one key to battling the disease is early detection. A local woman is proof of that -- she is cancer-free after being diagnosed last year.

Ann Zelesky is an associate athletic director at Holy Cross. She has spent years supporting the college's student athletes by encouraging them to stay positive. This past year, she found herself taking her own advice.

About a year ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. She immediately underwent surgery, followed by chemotherapy.

Last week, doctors told Ann that the cancer was gone. She thinks early detection may have saved her life. But, Ann thinks more can be done. She wants to see a cure for cancer in her lifetime, and is dedicated to lending a hand.