As many of you also know, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, except for skin cancers. "The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a women's life is a little less than 1 in 8. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceded only by lung cancer. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since 1990, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of early detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment." - (info from the American Cancer Society website)
Personally, I have great respect for breasts. I breastfed my two babies for longer than was the societal norm and enjoyed every moment. I was so proud of what my body could do! Now I watch with wonder and awe as my daughter-in-law breastfeeds our grandson. I'm seeing him grow round and pudgy as a result of that perfect food, mother's milk.
On the flip side, as an oncology nurse working in a cancer clinic, I witness daily the horrors of breast cancer and the pain and suffering it can cause. It takes vibrant, healthy, powerful women and can render their bodies lifeless. It makes me sad and angry!
So, my dear female readers, don't underestimate your breasts or take them for granted. They are powerful givers of life, but they can also cause you agony and even take your life. Take time to check your breasts for lumps or irregularities and have your annual mammograms if you're over 40. It's especially important for young women to know their breasts, because they don't typically get mammograms. Young women do get breast cancer and it's often only detected by self-exam. Use a nice smelling lotion and regularly massage your breasts and as you do, thank them for the amazing work they are, or were, capable of doing. You'll get to know the normal terrain of your breasts and be able to detect a slight abnormality. The boring self-exam can be a holy practice!
And don't be afraid to ask your friends, co-workers, mothers, daughters, and grand-daughters if they've had their annual mammogram. If they're under 40 a Clinical Breast Exam is recommended every 3 years besides the monthly self-exam (or massage!) If there is a history of breast cancer in the family a woman of any age needs to ask her healthcare provider for advice on the best screening methods for her.
Do it for "the girls"!
The other day I heard an interview with Barbara Ehrenriech on NPR. She was talking about the phenomena of woman who have breast cancer being pushed to see the bright side of their cancer. She said this leaves many women feeling marginalized because they don't see the brigh side. Have you thought about this at all? Apparently, she writes about this in her new book "Bright-sided: How the relentless promotion of positive thinking has undermined america"
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