Ashley Iaconetti breast biopsies experiences, a former contestant on ‘The Bachelor,’ emphasized the importance of being more intentional about self-examinations moving forward.
During a recent episode of her Almost Famous podcast, which she co-hosts with Ben Higgins, Iaconetti shared that she has had two breast biopsies. At 37, she opened up about her experiences to raise awareness about breast health.
“I talked about this with my doctor during a discussion on breast cancer, mentioning that I’ve had two breast biopsies,” she said. “This might be a bit personal, but I noticed that the texture of my breasts has changed after having children. They used to be much denser, which is something that often happens.”
In an earlier episode, Iaconetti mentioned that she had scheduled a checkup after finding a lump.
“I’ve always had relatively dense breasts, and there was one specific area where I felt a lump,” she recalled. “At 22, I had a mammogram and an ultrasound, which led to a biopsy.”
The Bachelor in Paradise alum confirmed that she is currently healthy, but the experience underscored the importance of regular self-examinations and routine screenings.
“I do check my breasts often enough to notice any changes,” she told Higgins. “With my habits and the current texture, I would definitely be aware of any differences. I need to be more deliberate about my checks.”
Higgins praised Iaconetti for her willingness to discuss her health issues, especially as more young women are being diagnosed with cancer.
“It’s a crucial topic to bring up,” he noted. “We’re thinking of Katie. Her life has taken such an unexpected turn.”
Higgins was talking about Katie Thurston’s recent breast cancer diagnosis. The 34-year-old, who was a contestant on season 25 of The Bachelor and later the lead on the 17th season of The Bachelorette, announced her diagnosis on February 15 with a heartfelt Instagram post.
“The hardest part was accepting my reality, but I’m ready to fight this battle,” Thurston shared at that time.
In the U.S., breast cancer affects one in eight women, highlighting the importance of mammograms for early detection.
In May 2023, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its guidelines for breast cancer screening, responding to an increase in diagnoses among younger women. The task force recommended that all women start biennial screenings at age 40, which could potentially save 19% more lives.
In addition to regular screenings, health officials advise women of all ages to practice “breast self-awareness.” This means getting familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts, which can help them notice any unusual changes during self-exams.
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