Posted by Lisa Hendey in Health on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 9:00 AM
During the month of October, you’ll likely be seeing a lot of pink, owing to the fact that today marks the start of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Given that I’m the “old lady” of the Faith and Family Live blogging team, I’m guessing that a lot of you reading this haven’t yet experienced the joy of your first mammogram and may be thinking to yourselves that you can just skip this post and move along in your reading.
I’d like to ask you to pause though, and take a few moments to think about breast cancer and how to care for yourself and your family. According to statistics on the NBCAM website, an estimated 178,480 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Of those diagnosed, an estimated 40,460 women lost their lives to breast cancer in 2007. So many of us have a mother, a sister, or a friend who has been impacted by breast cancer.
Because I have a family history of breast cancer, I had my first mammogram before I turned 35. I’m going to share with you that I’ve been a slacker when it comes to getting the annual mammograms my doctor routinely prescribes. I’ve used the “I’m too busy” excuse, the “It hurts too much” excuse and even the “I forgot” excuse. Pretty dumb, when it’s clearly shown that mammography screening is the best available method to detect breast cancer early, thereby maximizing treatment and cure potential.
So this month, in honor National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and because I love my family, I’m treating myself to my annual mammogram. Along with this routine screening, I am going to really focus this month on decreasing some of my risk factors for breast cancer by staying physically active, decreasing my fat intake and increasing my intake of fiber, and making fresh fruits and vegetables the stars of my meals.
Care to join me? We owe it to our families to take care of ourselves spiritually, emotionally and physically.
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I have been seeing even more pink in the stores lately, which I love because pink is my favorite color. But I learned recently that the Susan Komen fund supports Planned Parenthood. I was bummed because now I can’t buy that pink pair of kitchen shears, or pink can of soup, or whatever it happens to be today.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 30 and had no “risk factors”.
I was still nursing my 7th child at the time too.
The biggest self-help is monthly breast exams. Please never think “It can’t or won’t happen to me.” It can happen to the “best” of us.
Suzanne,
Thanks for reminding readers that the Susan Komen Foundation does indeed support Planned Parenthood. What tragic irony, considering the link between abortion & breast cancer (ABC). Shame on the media for continuing to cover up the evidence of the ABC link.
Because I had a large benign lump removed when I was 19, I’ve had screening mammos every 5 years since I was 20. I’ve now been switched to every year, since I’m approaching 40, although I’m not having one this year since I’m expecting.
Yeah, it hurts, and yes, it’s a pain to remember every year, but the knowledge that I’m ‘in the clear’ is so worth it.
We must remember that one of the biggest risk factors is simply being a woman!
Yes, Susan G Komen does support Planned Parenthood. They have given 55 grants to Planned Parenthood abortion facilities between 2000-2005. Learn the facts and view this list of life-affirming breast cancer groups.
Please read the http://www.bdfund.orgbreastcancer.asp
Ladies, (and the men who love them),
I am a 12-year survivor after breast cancer. I too had no risk factors--even my doctor told me I was too young to get cancer--and then he had to apologize when the biopsy proved him wrong. (Oh, and I switched doctors after that!)
I am the poster-child for breast self-exam. I was 36 with three small children when I was diagnosed. I found my lump exactly 5 months after I had a clear, negative mammogram!!!
Today I have lived long enough to send two off to college, and my “baby” is now 15. I am blessed and I am grateful for each passing year.
Get checked. Every year. As a survivor, I know every year counts--and early detection is key.
Love yourself enough to be regular about check-ups. Don’t overlook the small concerns. Something might feel “funny” or look “odd.” GO SEE YOUR DOC! Good doctors and good nurses would rather examine a “false alarm” and send you on your happy way, then have you fear an exam and do nothing.
I am happy to support women who are in this struggle. See my blog for contact information. I’m not a medical expert, but I can listen.
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Todd and Sarah Palin’s infant son Trig has brought new attention to the frightening fact that 90 percent of children diagnosed prenatally with Down Syndrome are aborted. This tiny baby is bringing new hope to people with Down Syndrome and those who love them. This tiny baby presents a real threat to the culture of death.
