Breast Cancer Doctor Becomes the Patient, Finds New Perspective

Dr. Sue Hwang's personal cancer journey inspires her book 'From Both Sides of the Curtain'

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Dr. Sue Hwang, a board-certified breast radiation oncologist, was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive lobular carcinoma at age 46. Her experience as a patient, after years of treating cancer, led her to reevaluate her priorities and approach to medicine. Hwang details her journey in the new book 'From Both Sides of the Curtain: Lessons and Reflections from an Oncologist's Personal Breast Cancer Journey'.

Why it matters

Hwang's personal experience with breast cancer provides valuable insights for both patients and medical professionals. Her transition from doctor to patient highlights the importance of empathy in healthcare and the challenges cancer survivors face in their 'new normal' after treatment.

The details

Hwang was diagnosed in 2024 after a routine mammogram found five masses in her breast, including one that had already spread to her lymph nodes. She underwent an aggressive treatment plan, including a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy. Hwang's experience as a patient made her realize the limitations of the statistics-focused approach she had used with her own patients, and the profound impact a cancer diagnosis can have on one's identity and quality of life.

  • Hwang was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive lobular carcinoma in 2024 at age 46.
  • Hwang had a double mastectomy and implant reconstruction in February 2024.
  • Hwang underwent four rounds of chemotherapy and radiation in June 2024.
  • Hwang had her ovaries and uterus removed in July 2024 before starting endocrine therapy.
  • Hwang is now in the survivorship phase and on maintenance therapy.

The players

Dr. Sue Hwang

A board-certified breast radiation oncologist who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 46 and has detailed her experience in the book 'From Both Sides of the Curtain'.

Stephen Colbert

A comedian whose quote about learning to love the thing you wished most had not happened resonated with Hwang after her diagnosis.

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What they’re saying

“It goes something like, 'Learn to love the thing that you wished most had not happened,'”

— Stephen Colbert

“You are just fundamentally not the same person, because this diagnosis forces you to reevaluate all of your priorities.”

— Dr. Sue Hwang, Breast Cancer Doctor and Patient (theflowspace.com)

“To the patient, you have to convey a certain level of confidence. All your knowledge seems to fall to the wayside as soon as you become the patient. I couldn't be confident as a patient. I was just scared.”

— Dr. Sue Hwang, Breast Cancer Doctor and Patient (theflowspace.com)

What’s next

Hwang's book 'From Both Sides of the Curtain: Lessons and Reflections from an Oncologist's Personal Breast Cancer Journey' is set to be released in the coming months, providing further insights into her experience and perspective as both a doctor and a patient.

The takeaway

Hwang's personal journey with breast cancer has transformed her approach to medicine, emphasizing the critical importance of empathy and understanding the profound impact a cancer diagnosis can have on a patient's identity and quality of life. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even the most experienced medical professionals can benefit from walking in their patients' shoes.