It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I had my first mammogram last week. And since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to take a moment to talk about it.

• Do you sometimes forget to do your monthly self breast exam? An easy way to remember is to pick a date and do the exam every month on that date. Or even better, choose a buddy and remember to remind each other! It's easy!
  

• If your insurance will pay for you to have a mammogram, schedule one. If you think you are too young, you're not. If you don't have insurance, most health departments will do them for free or at a discount. Early detection, my friends!
  

• Please take charge of your own health. If you THINK you feel something, tell your doctor. Don't worry about bothering them or being a pest. It's your body and we must REQUIRE our health care system to work FOR US! Be persistent. Again, don't apologize, it's their job.
  

• Are you familiar with "The Mammogram Myth?" Well, let me enlighten you. No, it does not feel like your breast is being slammed in the door of a freezing filing cabinet or like lying on the ice cold floor of a garage while a car is being backed over your breast.

Scene - Boss Lady at stage right, Mammogram Technician at stage left
BL: (looking at the tech) "Is that it?"
Tech: "That's it."
BL: "Really?"
Tech: "Yes."
BL: "Really?"
Tech: (laughing) "Yes."
BL: "Wow!"

It was mildly uncomfortable. And very brief. Moms, compared to pushing a large child through your birth canal, it's like a mild punch to the boob. Non-Moms, it's like a mild punch to the boob. Yeah, I know everyone's pain threshold is different, but really, it's not all that's it's made up to be!

So, to sum up what we know about Breast Cancer Intervention, Do your monthly self exam, Get a mammogram, Be in charge of your health, and BE BRAVE!