Importance of Self-Examination

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I encourage all women to do the self exam and get the mammogram if you have not had one. Early detection can be a HUGE factor in cancer survival.

I lost my god-sister to complications from breast cancer almost 20 years ago. She was a beautiful soul and the cancer was aggressive. I

think about her often. She battled Breast cancer twice – one side at a time. It was actually the negative effects of the chemo that killed her. The entire time, she remained positive and happy. She was a warrior with a smile.

Since then, I have known others who have had cancer. Some have won their battles and some have succumbed. The important lesson is to take care of our selves.

Ladies, check your breasts. Men, check your testicles and your chest (yes men can get breast cancer too). If you have asymmetrical or darker than usual freckles or oddly shaped or discolored moles, have them checked. If you have an unexplained, chronic pain, have it checked.

This month we talk about breast cancer in the media and we buy pink items to support the cause ( I hope you are doing so whenever possible). We are having walks and runs and wearing our pink ribbons. Let’s keep the conversation going all year. Cancer affects us all.

Get in touch with your body and if anything seems out of the ordinary, consult your physician.
Hug a Cancer Survivor today.