Breast Cancer Survivor Prepares for Broad Street Run After Yearlong Treatment

Tamara Scott, now cancer-free, will compete in the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run as a symbol of resilience and recovery.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:06pm

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A translucent X-ray photograph revealing the internal structures of a runner's torso, with the heart and lungs glowing faintly, conceptually representing the resilience and recovery of a breast cancer survivor.A breast cancer survivor's journey of resilience and recovery, captured in a ghostly X-ray photograph.Philadelphia Today

Tamara Scott, a breast cancer survivor, is preparing to run the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run after undergoing a yearlong treatment that included six months of chemotherapy. Scott, an experienced runner, was training for the Marine Corps Marathon when she discovered a lump and was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Despite the unexpected diagnosis, Scott's background as a distance runner helped her cope with the treatment process. She is now cancer-free and is looking forward to crossing the finish line of the Broad Street Run, which she expects will carry special meaning as a symbol of her overcoming adversity.

Why it matters

Breast cancer is a serious and life-changing diagnosis, but stories like Tamara Scott's demonstrate the power of resilience and the importance of physical activity and mental fortitude in the recovery process. Her journey highlights the challenges faced by young breast cancer patients who may not fit the typical risk profile, as well as the role that running and endurance training can play in coping with and overcoming a cancer diagnosis.

The details

Tamara Scott, a Philadelphia resident, was training for the Marine Corps Marathon when she discovered a lump on the side of her chest. After undergoing a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy, she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Scott, who had no family history or genetic mutations associated with breast cancer, underwent an emotional MRI and spent 12 months in treatment, including six months of chemotherapy. Despite the challenges, Scott's background as a distance runner helped her cope with the treatment process, and she learned she was cancer-free halfway through her treatment. Since then, Scott has returned to running, competing in her first 5K race since her diagnosis, and is now training for the Broad Street Run, which she expects will be a powerful symbol of her resilience and recovery.

  • Two years ago, Scott began training for the Marine Corps Marathon.
  • She first noticed the lump on her chest while training for the marathon.
  • Scott underwent a yearlong treatment process that included six months of chemotherapy.
  • She learned she was cancer-free halfway through her treatment.
  • Scott is now training for the Broad Street Run, which will take place in the coming weeks.

The players

Tamara Scott

A breast cancer survivor and experienced runner from Philadelphia who is preparing to compete in the Broad Street Run as a symbol of her resilience and recovery.

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What they’re saying

“I just could not believe it. I feel like growing up, you're pretty much taught that breast cancer is for someone over 40. Breast cancer is for people who have a family history, who have a genetic mutation.”

— Tamara Scott, Breast Cancer Survivor

“My training, specifically my marathon training, really helped me think about the bigger picture. When you're training for something like a marathon or a long-distance race, you really have to think about getting through each of those mile checkpoints and really think about that long-term journey.”

— Tamara Scott, Breast Cancer Survivor

“This will be the longest race I've done since being diagnosed with cancer. I am just envisioning that moment of crossing the finish line and the energy and excitement that I felt before. I think we'll just be amplified by ten, 20, 30 times what I felt in the past and just such a feeling of overcoming adversity and those tough times and really just a sign that I'm back, baby.”

— Tamara Scott, Breast Cancer Survivor

What’s next

Scott is currently training for the Broad Street Run, which is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. She is looking forward to crossing the finish line as a symbol of her resilience and recovery.

The takeaway

Tamara Scott's journey demonstrates the power of resilience and the importance of physical activity in the cancer recovery process. Her story highlights the challenges faced by young breast cancer patients and the role that endurance training can play in coping with and overcoming a cancer diagnosis.