Ladies Holiday: Breast Cancer Awareness--Never "Too Young"

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Breast Cancer Awareness--Never "Too Young"

Source: a0.twimg.com via Kelly on Pinterest

I was recently reminded that this month marks 11 years since my best friend's sister-in-law lost her battle with Breast Cancer at the age of 24. This is an unfortunate and sad truth to share, but if it brings awareness then I think it is important. This young woman's brother posted a plea to young women on his facebook page, he asked that all women, including young women, check their breasts often for lumps. He further asked that if you find something you go to the doctor and do not give up until you find an answer. He said "don't let them tell you you're too young" and keep at the doctors until someone listens and gives you no doubt that you have nothing to worry about, or gets you the help that you need if you turn out to have breast cancer.

His plea touched my heart, scared me, and moved me to action. I am 33-years-old and I rarely check myself for lumps. Now, I've re-committed to this healthy habit, adding it to my regimen just as I'd already added vitamin and health supplements, a healthy green diet, and exercise...all things that can keep me well. Checking my breasts and following up with my doctor with any and all symptoms that are troublesome is preventative care and is just as important as exercising my body, meditating to keep my mind at peace, and eating healthy to support my immune system. It is a way of valuing myself. It is a way of valuing YOURSELF.

A Google search for "breast cancer, young women" brought me to the website for the Young Survival Coalition (YSC) whose tagline is "Young women facing breast cancer together." From their page:

Young women CAN and DO get breast cancer. It is estimated that more than 250,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 or younger are living in the U.S. today. More than 13,000 young women will be diagnosed this year. While breast cancer in young women accounts for a small percentage of all breast cancer cases, the impact of the disease is significant.

YSC was the first organization to focus exclusively on the unique issues young women with breast cancer face. It provides comprehensive resources, support and education to address every phase of a young woman’s breast cancer experience.

I don't share any of this to scare you, I share it to move you toward positive action, action that can change and even SAVE your life. In honor of all the survivors, all the fighters, all those who inspire us, and all of those whom we love and miss more than words can express I ask you to fight for yourself, to care for yourself, to be aware and to spread the word.