I'll be the first to admit that I don't do my monthly self exams. I usually forget, and when I'm trying to take a shower, I'm doing it as quickly as possible, before Johnny destroys something or Maureen starts to cry.
But then yesterday I found out that one of my coworkers has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is twenty-six.
Consider these sobering statistics. Breast cancer is the most common female cancer, and the second leading cause of female cancer deaths (lung cancer is first). There are two and a half million breast cancer survivors living in the USA. While some breast cancers have a genetic component, most breast cancer patients have no risk factors at all. A woman has a one in eight chance of having a breast carcinoma in her lifetime.
So in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'm urging you, all of you, to get educated about breast cancer. Ladies, do your self exams. Get a mammogram if you need one. If you smoke, stop. Guys, make sure your significant other is taking care of business. And I personally pledge to do the same.
To read one woman's story about battling breast cancer while raising small children, check out Toddler Planet. For facts and information about breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society.
But then yesterday I found out that one of my coworkers has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is twenty-six.
Consider these sobering statistics. Breast cancer is the most common female cancer, and the second leading cause of female cancer deaths (lung cancer is first). There are two and a half million breast cancer survivors living in the USA. While some breast cancers have a genetic component, most breast cancer patients have no risk factors at all. A woman has a one in eight chance of having a breast carcinoma in her lifetime.
So in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'm urging you, all of you, to get educated about breast cancer. Ladies, do your self exams. Get a mammogram if you need one. If you smoke, stop. Guys, make sure your significant other is taking care of business. And I personally pledge to do the same.
To read one woman's story about battling breast cancer while raising small children, check out Toddler Planet. For facts and information about breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society.
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1 comments:
My grandmother & my aunt were both diagnosed with breast cancer almost 2 years ago. I asked my aunt's oncologist whether I am at increased risk, but because of the 2nd degree relation plus the fact that their cancer started post menopause, they don't feel its a genetic issue.
However, it made me very interested in reading breast cancer information. One thing I have found useful is that there are some specific emotional issues that are correlated with developing breast cancer later in life. It at least gives me a starting place, since the cancer that "runs" in my family is not genetic.
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