I was looking at my calendar today and realized that it's time to call my doctor and schedule my annual mammogram. Ugh. I don't know a soul who looks forward to it, but if you are are 40 or older or if you have a family history of breast cancer, call your doctor and set up an appointment. It's important. Excuse me, did you hear that? It's IMPORTANT!
Breast cancer isn't picky and it doesn't just happen to someone else. Women as well as men, young and old are susceptible. I have known a few women with breast cancer, among them a 30 year old and my grandmother who was diagnosed at 89. I also have a male friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45. Look around you. I suspect you know at least one person who has been touched by breast cancer in one way or another.
Eight years ago my gynecologist discovered a lump in my right breast. The mammogram showed two. Two days after my mammogram I was at the hospital having a Vacuum Assisted Breast Biopsy. The days spent waiting for the results of my biopsy were excruciating, but I was lucky. Both lumps were benign.
I was 35 when those lumps were discovered. Yes, I know I'm giving away my age, but I want you to understand that 40 isn't some magic number. Every woman aged 18 to 98 should perform a monthly self-exam. Follow this link to Breastcancer.org for instructions self-exams. It's only five steps and it's easy. The earlier you begin this routine the better. You will get to know what feels normal for you and learn to recognize any change.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So please, do yourself and your family a favor. Start doing a monthly self-exam and call your doctor for an appointment.
