I must must must get better at keeping this blog updated!
I wanted to take some time to post about Breast Cancer Awareness. I am feeling pretty passionate about it right now since it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is important that every woman and man takes measures to keep tabs on their health. One never knows when something ugly like Breast Cancer will pop up. Take me for example, no family history and I was diagnosed at 32 years old so you never know!
There are two things that every woman can do to keep an eye on her breast health.
The first is monthly Breast Self Exams.
These seem like a pain in the butt and maybe they are but, doing one can save your life. I encourage you to do one today and repeat monthly, forever!
The American Cancer Society Recommends women over the age of 20 perform these exams monthly. Honestly, I do not think it can hurt to begin younger and get in the habit.
There are two links below with instructions on how to perform one.
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VsyE2rCW71o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The Second thing a woman can do to catch breast cancer is mammograms. The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer get a mammogram every year starting at 40 years old.
The word mammogram scares many women who fear it. Why do they fear it? They are afraid of the pain. I have had a few mammograms in my journey and I can tell you that while they are not what I would call fun, they are not horrifically painful either. They are quick and did not hurt me at all! It is a test that can save your life.
MEN, yes you! Yes, your risk of getting breast cancer is much lower than a womans; but there is still a risk. You should do monthly exams as well. Get to know your chest, what it looks like when its normal, feel for any bumps or lumps, feel under your arms as well! Here is a link explaining how to do it!
http://breastcancer.about.com/od/types/tp/male_bse.htm
I know Breast Self Exams and Mammograms will not prevent Brest Cancer but, they can help you catch it early which is a huge part of the battle. Catching it at Stage 0 is a completely different journey from catching it at the later stages. No promises but it could be a difference between chemo and no chemo, a lumpectomy versus a mastectomy etc.
So friends, family, blog readers, I implore you, I beg you, please take care of yourselves. This is one battle I would not wish on my worst enemy. #CatchItAtStage0
