Legendary legend and longtime friend of WOW Connie Flemming, aka Connie Girl, sat down with ABC7 News to fearlessly discuss her recent Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma diagnosis, a type of lymphoma triggered by her implants.

The doctors in the news report say that transgender women who have used hormones have increased incidents of having breast cancer.

Transgender patients, though, are often beset with a unique set of challenges. As Connie points out, there is a fear within the community about facing healthcare problems, whether because of insensitivity or transphobia. “When you are not feeling at your best,” she says, “and then to have to go [into the doctor’s office], it’s daunting. You have to, you know, kind of swallow it and go in. Because it isn’t all bad. You are not alone. And you can get help.”

While Connie’s BIA-ALCL diagnosis was ultimately more aggressive than most cases, she has undergone follow-up PET scans and everything has been negative so far, so it looks good. “We’re going to continue to observe her,” says Dr Richard Baskt, “and I believe she has an excellent prognosis”

Watch below:

Writes Connie on Facebook:

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 
Remember you are your first & best advocate, with frequent self examination and yearly mammograms you are the best hope for survival. To my sisters & brothers in the faith the battle for equality, visibility, and inclusivity can’t be fought or achieved without soldiers to fight the good fight. We must stay vigilant listening to our bodies and intuition.