Who, exactly, is NOT aware that breast cancer exists? That women need to get mammograms…that self exams are important…that we should have an annual physical check up? Seriously, these are widely known facts.   

I don’t know much about breast cancer except that I need to do ALL of the above to catch it early. Oh, here’s one other thing I know: my friends who’ve been diagnosed with it have gone through hell and back to get healthy again. So, the fewer women who have to go through it, the better!  

According to my friends at the National Breast Cancer Foundation,1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Next time you’re out with 7 other women – look around, one of you will be diagnosed! Every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and a woman dies of breast cancer every 13 minutes. 

It’s just a crime if you’re not taking a few simple steps to be on the lookout to catch it early. So, let’s all worry a little less about “awareness” and little more about “action!” Why? When breast cancer is found early, in the localized stage, the five year survival rate is 98%.  Did you hear that? 98% survival when diagnosed as early as possible!

So, here’s my kick in the @$$ for those of you who avoid the doctor, the mammogram and the self check! 

Quit complaining about the cost…

An annual check-up and a mammogram are considered preventive services, and are therefore covered on almost all health insurance plans (free!).  

If you don’t have insurance, the average cost of a mammogram in the US is $100. If you can’t afford that, there are many programs to help. Click here to learn more and find help in your area from our friends at the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  

Do you know what does cost real big $$? Breast cancer! Biopsies, lab tests, medications, surgeries, hospital stays, doctor visits, etc. According to the US National of Medicine, the  lifetime costs of breast cancer range from $20,000 to $100,000. I’ll take a free or $100 mammogram over that price ANY DLibrary AY and my bet is the cost is lower if detected early!

Click here to learn more about how you can help the National Breast Cancer Foundation support those affected by breast cancer – they provide mammograms, education and support services to women in need!

Quit complaining about not having time….

It takes, like, 30 minutes for cryin’ out loud.  

Do you know what is time consuming? Breast cancer! Going to chemo, having surgery, waiting anxiously for results, picking up medications, making and going to doctor visits, etc. Time spent on your health is a worthy endeavor!

Quit complaining about the pain or discomfort…

Because there is NONE! Unless you’re a total wuss. It’s about 6 minutes of quasi-smashing and it’s over. No big whoop! If you’re uber-sensitive, take a Tylenol before you go and treat yourself to a girly beverage after (tall, non-fat mocha with extra whip, anyone?).  

Do you know what is painful and causes discomfort? Breast cancer! Mastectomies, reconstructive surgeries, biopsies, chemo/radiation side effects, drug reactions, etc.

That is all. Just do it, ladies!

Now it's your turn! How do you make sure you keep up with frequent self-exams and annual check-ups? Do you have an early detection story? Comment below or email me at heidi@freshbenies.com!