WCPO: Surgeon becomes survivor

UC breast cancer surgeon becomes a survivor herself, uses experience to give other patients hope

We all walk a path, but we don't all share our journey.

Beth Shaughnessy, MD, PhD, made sure to share her journey when she learned about her breast cancer diagnosis in early 2019, all while shedding light and hope along the way.

The UC professor of surgery and UC Health breast cancer surgeon is also a breast cancer survivor. After her diagnosis, she made sure to capture her process every step of the way.

"I saw so many patients who were scared to death come into my office, and I wanted to show them ... it wasn't so bad," she says.

Watch the full WCPO segment which also features UC surgeon Jaime Lewis, MD.

Read the full UC Magazine story "Role Reversal," which details Shaughnessy's journey.

Featured photo of Beth Shaughnessy by Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Support breast cancer research at UC by donating to the Marlene Harris-Ride Cincinnati Fund at ridecincinnati.org. Schedule a mammogram or find a UC Health physician at 513-584-PINK (7465) or uchealth.com.

Related Stories

2

UC's art collection on display at the Contemporary Arts Center

January 5, 2026

University of Cincinnati leaders joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to talk about the university’s 200-year-old art collection, a new exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center and the release of a companion book exploring the collection’s role in education and public engagement.

3

UC faculty and staff among Rising Star leadership honorees

January 5, 2026

Two UC faculty and staff members are among this year's Rising Star leadership program sponsored by YWCA Greater Cincinnati. Kelli Beecher, assistant professor in the UC College of Nursing, and Brittany Bibb, assistant director of programs and operations in the UC Division of Student Affairs, are among the emerging leaders of 2026. They were featured in the publication Movers & Makers.