For more people than I care to admit Breast Cancer Awareness Month always carried a personal meaning for families. When I think about cancer, I don’t just think about statistics, pink ribbons, or an awareness month on the calendar.
I think about my mom. My mom passed away from cancer, and my aunt also lost her life to breast cancer. Just as my grandmother Dorie did. Those losses have made cancer awareness something much more personal to me and my family.
That is one reason I wanted to share this story as we head into Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Sometimes the most important health reminders aren’t about frightening us. They’re about reminding us to pay attention, ask questions, know our family history, and make those appointments we might otherwise keep putting off.
And that is exactly the message Dr. Jen Moran, a cosmetic and restorative dentist, mother of four, business owner, and breast cancer survivor, hopes women will hear.
When the Doctor Becomes the Patient: Dr. Moran spent much of her career caring for patients.
Then she received a breast cancer diagnosis and suddenly found herself on the other side of health care—as the patient. Her experience changed the way she looked at her own health and gave her a new perspective on the importance of being an advocate for yourself.
“Becoming the patient changed the way I think about health,” Dr. Moran shared. As women, it can be incredibly easy to spend our days taking care of everyone else while our own appointments get pushed to the bottom of the list. Dr. Moran’s experience is a reminder that our health deserves a place on that list, too.
Six Things Women Can Do to Be More Proactive About Their Health
Dr. Moran encourages women to take practical steps to better understand their individual breast cancer risk and stay engaged with their health care.
1. Know Your Family History– Do you know what types of cancer have occurred in your family?
Breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and colon cancers can all be important pieces of your family medical history.
Talk with your family members and share what you learn with your health care provider. Depending on your personal and family history, your doctor may recommend additional risk assessment, genetic counseling, or genetic testing. For me, this is especially important because cancer has already touched my own family.
2. Talk With Your Doctor About Screening– Breast cancer screening recommendations can vary depending on age and individual risk.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every other year for women ages 40 through 74 who are at average risk. Your own doctor can help determine what screening schedule and approach is appropriate for you.
If you’ve been told you have dense breast tissue, that’s also something to discuss with your health care provider and ask whether additional imaging is appropriate.
3. Pay Attention to Changes– Know what is normal for your body.
A new lump, swelling, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, persistent pain, or another unusual change should be discussed with a health care professional. And don’t assume that a recent normal mammogram means a new concern can be ignored. If something changes, speak up.
4. Keep Moving- Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are among the lifestyle factors associated with lower breast cancer risk.
The American Cancer Society recommends adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity. You don’t have to become a marathon runner. A walk around the neighborhood, gardening, dancing, or simply finding ways to move more throughout the day can be a start.
5. Be Mindful About Alcohol and Smoking– Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and smoking is associated with numerous serious health risks.
If you drink or smoke, talk with your health care provider about your individual risks and healthier choices.
6. Make Your Health Part of Your Routine– Perhaps the biggest takeaway is this:
Don’t wait until something is wrong before you start paying attention to your health.
Know your family history. Keep up with recommended appointments and screenings. Ask questions. And advocate for yourself.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Is More Than a Pink Ribbon
October will bring the familiar pink ribbons and reminders about breast cancer. But perhaps we can make those reminders personal. Maybe this is the month you finally schedule that appointment.
Maybe you call your mom, sister, aunt, or another family member and ask about your family’s medical history. Maybe you sit down with your doctor and ask, “What is my personal breast cancer risk?”
For me, cancer awareness will always have faces and names attached to it. I remember my mom. I rember my Grandmother. I remember my aunt. And I know that taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish. The people who love us want us here, too.
Dr. Moran’s experience offers another reminder: we cannot control every outcome, but we can be informed, we can ask questions, and we can advocate for our own health.
A Note From GreatfulMoments: If cancer has touched your family, you may understand why October can bring a mixture of emotions.
Awareness can be difficult. It can also be an opportunity to take one small step toward taking better care of yourself. This October, let’s remember the women we’ve lost, support those who are fighting, celebrate survivors, and encourage one another to pay attention to our own health.
Because our families need us—and we deserve to take care of ourselves, too.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not medical advice. Breast cancer screening and risk recommendations vary by individual. Please speak with your physician or qualified health care provider about your personal health history and screening needs.
Grateful, Thankful, Blessed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
