Val's View: All About Breasts!

A little information goes a long way in being body-conscious, so let’s get vigilant on this special month dedicated to the health of our beautiful breasts!

Oct 9, 20231 comment

Mammograms, Sonograms, &MRI's

I have had all three screenings and am not only grateful but amazed at the technology available today. I try to be proactive since many people close to me have been in the trenches with breast cancer. Statistics show 1 in 8 women will develop this all-too common disease during their lives. It’s never too late or too early to pay attention! Depending on family history, a baseline screening can start as early as 30, though 40 is the recommended age to start getting regularly screened. Don’t let procrastination and anxiety stop you from getting tested; you can put to rest many reservations and uncertainties with these diagnostic screenings. Annual wellness visits are available for free or at a low cost, even for those without health insurance.

Mark Your Calendar!

This breast cancer awareness month has made me reflect on all the women that I know who have banned together to support each other in the fight against cancer. It is truly amazing. So many women pool their resources and support each other to ensure they have the best chance of survival. I can’t imagine a world without these women who are so diverse and yet bonded by their strength. They are mothers, sisters, friends, grandmothers, CEOs, small business owners, chefs, carpool moms, nurses and so much more. They have come up with creative ways to lift each other up and even fundraise to make certain that we are protected and loved in the face of harrowing health issues like breast cancer. One of my dear friends was battling cancer and didn’t have enough money to pay her rent. We decided to produce a calendar to raise money and we’ve been doing it for five years. 100 percent of our proceeds go directly to women in treatment. The last thing you may think of in the face of a difficult journey is glamour, but our survivors get a chance to feel something besides fear and worry. The message that this project helps to spread is that early detection is key!

Lifestyle, family history, and environment can all factor into a person’s likelihood of developing breast cancer

My Aunt Rose, on my mother’s side, is a two-time breast cancer survivor. I cherish my time with her; I lost my mother to an unrelated form of cancer, so I know how precious and fragile life can be. The difference between these two sisters’ stories was early detection. Rose was diagnosed in her fifties and had a double mastectomy that saved her life. She is now in her seventies and back in remission after a recurrence last year. My mother did not go to the doctor until it was too late as she was wary of modern medicine. By the time the cancer was detected, it was inoperable. The message is that today’s techniques are much less invasive and save countless lives each year. I share this personal story not to scare you but to motivate you to honor your bodies.

The Power of Pink

Susan G. Komen is one organization that I have been involved with because I am inspired by women uplifting each other; we are stronger together. I did a flash mob dance at a University of Miami football game with my dear friend, who also lost her mom to cancer. It was a real bonding experience and was so energizing. For many years we also did an annual fashion show luncheon, and behind the big hats and fancy shoes, those ladies helped impact lives by raising awareness and money. This October, I hope you find a way to champion this most compelling cause. You can wear pink to raise awareness, volunteer with an organization you believe in, or donate money to a charity of your choice. Remember: we are all in this together!