October is almost over, and while for some it means Halloween is almost here and Thanksgiving is four weeks away and there are only 62 shopping days until Christmas (gah!), it also means National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is drawing to a close.
By now, the pink ribbon (which celebrates its 20th birthday this year!) has become synonymous with this deadly disease, which claims the lives of nearly 40,000 women each year. In fact, it is estimated that 226,870 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. I think most of us know someone who’s been touched by breast cancer – or, in my case, several someones. Not only do I have a number of close family members who have been diagnosed with this disease, but as part of my day job, I’ve gotten to know a number of brave breast cancer survivors and the oncologists and care teams who they credit with saving their lives. I’ve seen firsthand the impact breast cancer can have, not just on the women themselves, but on their families and loved ones, too. That’s the part that keeps me up at night.
Yet I have a confession to make: I have never once conducted a breast self-exam. I mean, even Brenda, Kelly and Donna did a self-exam as high schoolers on Beverly Hills, 90210, but not me, a mom in her mid-thirties.
For me, breast self-exams are like flossing: I know it’s something I should do, but for whatever reason (laziness? ignorance? denial?) I just don’t. And just like I lie to my dentist (“Yes, I floss every day.”), I lie to my OB/GYN (“Yes, I do monthly self-exams.”) Why? Why the need to lie? Because I want to avoid the scolding/lecture I know I deserve? Because I’m embarrassed that as an educated, relatively health-conscious woman, I don’t take the few minutes it requires on a daily or monthly basis to take charge of my own health?
The fact of the matter is that I’m 36. I have two little kids. I want to be around to see them grow up. And while breast cancer may be more common in women in their 50s and 60s, I keep hearing over and over again that it’s not an “old woman’s disease.” I’ve heard about and read too many stories of women my age (or even younger) being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Today, doctors stress the importance of breast awareness, or being familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, which should make it easier for you to notice any subtle changes (such as lumps or thickening) if you’re examining your breasts regularly. The take-home message: finding a lump when it’s small increases your chances of survival, should it turn out to be malignant. I’ll take those odds.
So as part of SELF magazine‘s #LivePink campaign, I pledge from this point forward to really do my monthly breast self-exams. I will not lie to my OB/GYN about whether or not I’ve been doing them. I will put a reminder in my iPhone calendar if I have to. Because taking care of my body is more than just eating well and exercising – it’s also about being vigilant about my own health risks and, quite literally, putting my health in my own hands.
Because I have a lot to live for.
Alright, ladies, ‘fess up: Do you do monthly or regular breast self-exams?
wartica says
I agree; having children of your own should be enough motivation for all people to make the necessary health and lifestyle changes:)) Great post about making positive changes in our lives:))
Jessica says
Thanks so much! This has been long overdue ๐
fun2race says
Great post! I think this is true of so many women. I’m sure your family and friends are thanking you for your pledge!
Jessica says
Thanks so much! Glad to know I’m not alone. I just hope my dentist and OB/GYN don’t call me out for lying to them all these years ๐
Carey Robinson says
Love it (as i choke back some tears). My good friend just lost her Mum to breast cancer this past weekend. Your post was, as ever, well timed and will serve as an inspiration to all who read it! I had a “scare” when i was only 21, so i am in the habit now of checking (usually while in the shower). That said, I am totally with you on the flossing! THAT, i need to focus on. xx
dot zullo says
Awesome post Jess I see and hear everyday how women don’t/won’t perform self breast exam. Tons of excuses…I also witness way to many women mid 20s and up who are diagnosed with breast cancer.I am proud of you for making the pledge if you inspire just 1 woman and she inspires just 1 women this might just go viral!