Young Woman’s Breast Cancer Journey Leads to Unexpected New Beginnings

At the age of 27, Marissa Coreno received news she never expected – a breast cancer diagnosis. But through courage, positivity, and the unwavering support of her loved ones, Marissa not only overcame cancer but also found love in the most surprising way.

At the time, she was happy and healthy, living on her own in Westlake, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, and thriving in a healthcare career. But everything changed in June 2021, after she felt a lump in her breast.

Marissa wasn’t overly concerned—she was young and had no family history of breast cancer. However, after undergoing diagnostic tests at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, doctors informed her the lump appeared suspicious.

Paulette Turk, MD, a radiologist, shared her concerns after reviewing the imaging scans.

“Dr. Turk was amazing,” Marissa says. “She waited for my mom to get to the hospital to talk with both of us together.”

The following week, Marissa learned the biopsy was positive for cancer in her breast and lymph nodes. “I was in shock because I didn’t think this would happen to me,” Marissa says.

Marissa says her medical oncologist, Baidehi Maiti, MD, PhD, talked to her and assured her she would get through her cancer treatment. “Dr. Maiti is so positive and inspiring. She was the captain of my team, and she saved my life.” 

While breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, it is uncommon in women in their 20s, according to Dr. Maiti. “According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of breast cancer in women in their 20s is about 0.1% (approximately 1 in 1,344) and it peaks in women in their 70s to 4.2% (approximately 1 in 24),” says Dr. Maiti.

“About 5-10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary, meaning they are passed on by inheriting genetic mutations from parents,” Dr. Maiti says. “Marissa had no apparent genetic predisposition for breast cancer.”

Dr. Maiti says Marissa started her treatment with chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, then underwent mastectomies of both breasts with reconstruction. That was followed by radiation therapy which she completed in early 2022. Subsequently she also received a relatively newer breast cancer treatment with a CDK 4/6 inhibitor pill and a bone strengthening bisphosphonate medication.

According to Dr. Maiti, Marissa currently has no sign of cancer. She started estrogen-blocking therapy, which is ongoing and will continue for 10 years.

“My family was a huge support for me,” Marissa remembers. Since she lived alone, her mom moved in with her, and her dad took her to every chemotherapy appointment.

Marissa says the last few rounds of chemotherapy were the worst for her. “I tried to stay strong and positive, but I felt awful. I lost all my hair and didn’t want to leave the house.”

One small act—ordering gourmet cookies from a new local store —unexpectedly opened a new chapter in her life. 

After Marissa posted a photo of the treats on social media, a former classmate from North Ridgeville High School, Anthony Coreno, reached out to ask what she thought of them. He’d been curious to try them too. That simple message sparked a conversation that never stopped, Marissa says with a laugh.

“It was scary at first to share what I was going through,” Marissa says, “but I wanted to be real with him. I told him he was a nice guy, and I loved talking to him, but I had baggage. He said he knew what I was going through and it didn’t bother him. He wanted to take me out and show me a good time.”

Marissa had lost all of her hair during chemotherapy, so she wore a wig on their first date. It included dinner and a stop for their favorite cookies.

Shortly after they started dating, both got COVID-19. They decided to quarantine together, while Anthony worked remotely. “That’s when we got super close,” Marissa says. “This is the guy for me after everything we’ve been through.”

The couple got engaged in about a year and married in August 2024. They celebrated their first anniversary on a trip to Cancun.

“Anthony is the sweetest guy and has been my biggest cheerleader throughout this entire process,” Marissa says.

Now 31, it’s difficult for Marissa to put her thoughts together about everything she experienced. The year following her treatment was challenging. “Everything I went through just hit me. It was hard not to live in the past. I had to realize what I had been through was over.”

“I beat cancer, and I am healthier than I’ve ever been. I enjoy life and don’t let the little things bother me now,” states Marissa.

Dr. Maiti says Marissa is an amazing person. “She was dealt a huge challenge at a very young age. Her incredible courage, strength, resilience, positive attitude and great support system were instrumental in her success. She is thriving as a cancer survivor and living her life fully. She inspires us all, and it is my great privilege to care for her.”

Marissa says, “There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even in your darkest moments, keep moving forward—you’re stronger than you think.”