29 October 2007

Saving lives through early detection

This post is especially for the ladies; however, the men need to be aware of this too.

I'm sure many of you knew that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It meant that everywhere you turned there was something in pink being sold, little pink ribbons were being sold at checkout counters, and many were taking their friends and loved ones for mamograms. Breast cancer does not just affect those over 40; it can strike at any time; at any age. Through early detection, lives and in some cases breasts can be saved.

Yesterday, a former coworker, Rayne, and I participated in the Making Strides for Hope walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer funding and research. Each of us knew someone who has been affected by breast cancer; thus, making the walk even more meaningful. There were men, women, and children out on the Ocean City, NJ boardwalk early Sunday morning ready, willling, and able to partake in this great cause. No one is unaffected when someone is diagnosed with breast cancer; or any cancer.

Ladies, please take the time to do your monthly breast exams and men encourage your women to do it. It's been proven that men are sometimes the first to detect a lump due to foreplay, so there is an incentive for both women and men in doing the simple exam. Furthermore, we're all paying out the ass for healthcare, so we need to ensure that we're putting our insurance to good and thorough use. If you think something is wrong, chances are there is; so be dilligent in securing adequate care. We spend a lot of time, money, and energy into looking good, so we might as well make sure we're truly as good as we look on the outside.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is almost over, but doesn't mean it's too late to get a mammogram. In addition, if someone in your family has been diagnosed or treated for it, go to the doctor just to make sure you're not linked. Even when there is no history, doesn't mean one is not at risk.

Be healthy and take care of yourselves!

5 comments:

Bananas said...

Okay, so maybe I didn't really do alot, but I did buy golf balls with the little pink ribbion on them to golf with this month.

And of course when "The Fellas" asked what that was all about I told them. They thought it was a cool idea and bought some of their own.

After all, we all have a Mother. Some of us have Sisters, Aunts, Nieces, and Grandmothers. Some of us have a Woman we love. We all know someone who can be affected by breast cancer.

deepnthought said...

this was a great post. Reminded me of somethings I need to do.

Suzan Abrams, email: suzanabrams@live.co.uk said...

Breast cancer brings about a universal tragedy, Blu. It's a severe problem in modern Asia as well.

Lyrically speaking said...

Blu, thanks for this uplifting post. Breast cancer is really out of control. I recall a girlfriend's mom who passed away years ago from it, she was in her mid-thirties, so sad. I bring it up all the time to my girlfriends, sister and mother. It affects all of us at any age and it is important to be aware of it.

Ms. Confessions said...

Good Post!!

And yes, I still would love to feature your writing :)