Another October is riding
off into the sunset and I haven’t accredited the appropriate colors to it yet.
I love the October oranges
of pumpkins, turning leaves, and trick or treat candy, minus the ghosts and
goblins. But as much as I enjoy the orange of October, I can’t wear the color.
Orange is not in my wardrobe palette.
The other October color
I’ve learned to appreciate is the hot pink of the breast cancer ribbon. Pink does
nothing to flatter me either, but I will give some credit to the increased
awareness that the pink ribbon has achieved.
Before October closes, let’s
address your top 10 excuses for putting off your breast health.
10 - I’m not sure
how to do effective monthly self-exams.
Google it – lots of
videos out there show you the technique. Get to know your girls better and
notice any changes in them.
9 - I forget to do self-exams.
You know the reminder system
you use for the hundreds of other things you need to do? Use that.
8 - My doctor says self-exams aren’t as effective
anyway.
Trained professionals
may be more effective, but they only see you once a year. You are with your
breasts every day. Frequency matters.
7 - I’m too busy for my mammogram
appointment.
A few months delay can advance
the cancer stage at diagnosis, which makes all the difference in treatment
options and prognosis.
6 - Mammograms are uncomfortable.
Yeah, it hurts like fire
to smash your boobs in a vise until they are flat as pancakes. Maybe you can
raise a genius kid who will invent a better detection device. Until then, we
have mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs, often in that order.
5 - There isn’t a history of breast cancer
in my family.
Family history is only
one of many risk factors.
4 - I don’t have the BRCA gene mutations.
Neither do I. Many
factors play into the risk equation.
3 - I’m male.
Less than 1% of breast cancer
cases are in men, but it’s possible. Men, if you see or feel anything unusual,
don’t brush it off. Get it checked.
2 - I am afraid to find
out.
You know this blog
always gets to a scripture eventually and Job 3:25 is it. Yeah, Job said the
thing that he dreaded most had come upon him. Me too, Job, me too.
1 - I don’t look
good in pink.
Me neither. No one is
going to make you wear it, with or without breast cancer. Well, except maybe at
fundraising events.
Bottom line, breast
cancer is a race against time. The devious cells begin their race without the starter
gunshot, so early detection is your best friend. No more excuses!
