October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since I worked as a nurse for 25 years, I'm always interested in promoting good health. Heart Choices is all about making healthy choices body, mind and spirit.
I've had many friends and family impacted by breast cancer. I'm amazed at the number of women impacted by this disease.
This is a photo of me and one of my best friends from high school. Maria was in the process of being diagnosed with breast cancer when we reconnected back in 2004.
We had so much fun visiting the beach and reminiscing about old times. I cherish these times as she died from breast cancer several years later.
I try to live a healthy lifestyle. I exercise, watch my diet and have my yearly mammogram. Since there is a history of breast cancer in my family, I want to be diligent about this. This year I was told that my mammogram was abnormal. I had to wait to schedule an ultrasound. In the meantime, my mind went to all my friends and family who have dealt with this disease. Thankfully, everything came out fine.
Bankers Healthcare Group works closely with medical professionals. They want to get the word out about increased awareness and early detection of breast cancer. They supplied me with a graphic to post on Heart Choices.
Here are a few highlights:
- One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women.
- Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
To see a larger copy of this helpful graphic, I encourage you to link here.
Here are a few additional resources that you might find helpful:
- An early detection plan.
- A step by step guide to do a breast self-exam
- Banker's Healthcare Group sponsors many opportunities to raise money for breast cancer including a golf tournament.
So don't hide your head in the sand! Knowledge is power and early detection is a must.
Do you do monthly self check exams? Do you have a yearly mammogram? Now is the time to take action.
Blessings and love,