Robin Burrill’s Story: How Early Detection Saved Her Life

When we think about cancer, it sometimes seems like an abstract, distant thing.

But what if it happened to you? What if it happened to someone you know, but felt powerless to help?

Or, what if it happened to someone whose story could change the way you view your own health?

That’s exactly what happened to Robin Burrill, our CEO and Principal Interior Designer. Ten years ago, she heard the life-changing words no one is ever prepared for: “You have cancer.” Over the past decade, her journey has been one of challenge, resilience, and hope.

Today, Robin celebrates ten years cancer-free, and in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she’s sharing her story again…this time from a new perspective.

In this special interview, Robin opens up about the emotional journey, the role of early detection in how she beat breast cancer, other cases of cancer in her family immediately following her own, and the incredible advances in cancer treatment that have emerged since her diagnosis.

Whether you’ve faced cancer personally or know someone who has, her story is a timely reminder that awareness, action, and community support make all the difference.

10 Years Cancer-Free: An Interview with Robin Burrill

Q: Robin, congratulations on your TEN years of being cancer-free! How does it feel to say that?

Robin: Thank you! It’s hard to put into words. Honestly, when I heard the words, “you have cancer,” looking back on that with a decade of continued life felt unimaginable. I was overwhelmed with questions, fears, and the unknown. I was in the moment, and it was a terrible moment.

I didn’t know if I had a tomorrow.

Now, looking back, I’m filled with SO much gratitude. I think about how this journey started…just hearing those words changed everything, not only for me but for my family, especially Rob. Since then, there’s been so much growth, learning, and appreciation for life.

Reaching this milestone feels like a victory, I suppose, but it’s also a reminder that health is something we must NEVER take for granted.

Q: You’ve shared how early detection played a key role in your journey. Can you talk about that?

Robin: Absolutely!!! Early detection SAVED MY LIFE. Both my cancer and my mother’s were caught during routine mammograms. That’s why I’m so passionate about raising awareness.

I always joke and ask, “Have the girls been squeezed lately?” but it’s not really a joke—it’s a life-or-death situation. The earlier breast cancer is caught, the better your chances are. That’s why I constantly urge everyone, especially women over 40 or ANYONE with a family history, to get those checkups. Trust me, YOUR LIFE is worth the hassle.

By the way…this summer, a friend of mine, a man, was diagnosed with breast cancer. So, it’s NOT just about women!! Everyone needs exams.

Q: What would you say to people who are hesitant to share their cancer journey?

Robin: You know, I’ve met people who are very private about their experiences, and that’s okay. To them, I say, “do whatever you need to for your peace of mind, comfort, and sense of security.”

But for me, sharing my journey was a way to process everything. It helped me release so much of the stress and anxiety. And, surprisingly, people want to know!! They’re curious, they want to understand, and sharing can take away some of their fears. When we share our stories, we help others feel less afraid, and that’s SO important. Cancer is scary, but we don’t have to go through it alone.

I definitely didn’t.

Q: What has the support of your family meant to you during this journey?

Robin: My family was everything. The look in Rob’s eyes when I was diagnosed…that was one of the hardest parts. He felt so helpless, and that’s something I didn’t expect to hit me so deeply.

A year later, when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, too, I knew EXACTLY how she felt when she first heard my diagnosis. That helplessness, that pain…cancer affects everyone, not just the person who’s diagnosed.

But yes, having their support gave me strength when I needed it the most. It was a sad reality for us, too, when, after my mom’s breast cancer diagnosis, my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Rob and I have both had skin cancer, also.

You could say…we all know how it feels to be the patient AND the one worried about the patient!!

I also had such a strong community of friends and colleagues who stood by me, and that made ALL the difference. Because of the work I do, my support even came from showroom partners and peers!! It was INCREDIBLE.

Q: Once you were cancer-free, what was your outlook on life moving forward?

Robin: I feel like I’m just getting started!!

Me? Retire? Never.

These past 10 years have taught me to cherish every moment, but there’s still SO much I want to do and so many people I want to help. I want to keep using my story to inspire others, and I want to continue transforming lives through the Return On Enjoyment Renovations we do at Signature Home Services. The business was obviously affected while I was going through treatment…but my passion for our work was part of what kept me going.

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Robin has shared her journey live on Instagram several times, opening up about different challenges and triumphs during her battle against breast cancer.

She provides details on what radiation was like. She relives moments of treatment. She opens up about her most vulnerable questions and fears.

These videos provide an honest, raw look into her experience, and they showcase the stark contrast between the options she had available ten years ago and what’s available now…

The Science and Innovation of Breast Cancer Detection

Over the last ten years, there have been significant advancements in the detection AND treatment of breast cancer.

While Robin’s journey began with a routine mammogram, the options for early detection have expanded far beyond what was available in 2014.

For example:

• Today, technologies like 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) provide a more detailed view of breast tissue, making it easier to catch smaller, earlier-stage cancers.
• There’s also been a surge in genetic testing, helping women (and men) understand their risk factors better.
• For those at higher risk, preventive measures and frequent screenings can start earlier than ever before, giving individuals more control over their health outcomes.

New Kinds of Breast Cancer Treatment

On the treatment front, personalized medicine is finally at the forefront of cancer care.

Doctors can now target treatments based on the specific genetic makeup of a cancer, improving the chances of successful remission while minimizing side effects.

Immunotherapies and advancements in hormone therapies have also revolutionized treatment for many patients, allowing for more individualized and effective care.

Robin’s story, while one of triumph, is also a reminder of how far we’ve come in breast cancer research. When she was diagnosed, the focus was on routine mammograms. Today, there are more tools at our disposal, and the hope for the future is brighter than it was before.

That means it’s easier than ever to get checked. Don’t hesitate…honor Robin’s story, heed her word, and get checked right away!

About the author

Robin Burrill, RID, NCIDQ, ASID, IDS, CAPS, is an award-winning professional kitchen, bath, and interior designer. Robin and her husband, Robert Mathews, have owned Signature Home Services, Inc. for nearly three decades, establishing a superior in-house team with a widespread reputation for delivering meticulous design to their many repeat clients.

In 2022, the national publication, Kitchen and Bath Design News magazine, named Robin to their Top Innovator list in recognition of her achievements in the field of kitchen and bath design. In 2024, she was named one of the Fall 2024 Market Pros and “tastemakers” by ANDMORE at High Point Market. Also in 2024, Fixr identified her as one of the Top Professional Interior Designers for their nationwide audience. Over her extensive career, Robin has been quoted in Architectural Digest and Forbes multiple times; her design work has been featured in top national trade publications; and she has been interviewed for Designers Today magazine’s “Profiles in Design” video series, among others. Widely respected for the depth of her knowledge, Robin is a sought after speaker and judge for many design industry events.

In 2023, Robin designed a bench for Charleston Forge, making her foray into product design. Robin currently serves as a volunteer on the board of the Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter of the Interior Design Society.