What Color is your October?

 

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!