Breast Cancer Awareness Month ~ BOOB CHECK!!!

Many of us probably have either experienced breast cancer personally, or know someone who has. It is very unfortunate, but cancer seems to be touching the lives of so many, regardless of age, race, or even gender. 

My family and I are experiencing the effects of cancer as I write this post. I thank God each passing moment, that unlike so many, my mom is blessed in that she was diagnosed earlier enough to tackle the cancer. And…we remain in prayer and are hopeful that she will beat this monster.

Just to share a few facts, for those of you who don’t know:

Typically, breast cancer has no symptoms. So if you think because you “feel” okay you are out of the woods, you are WRONG! Even if you have physical signs of breast cancer (a lump, sometimes under the arm lymph nodes which can be passed off as swelling), it is painless so therefore can still be overlooked. Although not common, there can be breast pain, heaviness, swelling, redness of the skin, or nipple abnormalities (discharge, retraction or erosion). Ladies…BE SMART, get checked!!!

In 2017, there will have been an estimated 252,710 cases of invasive breast cancer; 2470 of those will be men. Yes, men are at risk too!

Thus far, breast cancer has effected 3% of women under 40 with 2% deaths; 20% of women between 40-49 with 9% deaths; 28% of women ages 50-69 with 19% deaths between ages 50-59 and 23% deaths between 60-69; 15% of women between 70-79 with 20% deaths; and 6% of women 80 and over with 27% deaths. This is huge ladies, especially for women between 40 and 79 years of age. Again…BE SMART, get checked!!! 

For more information on breast cancer, its causes, how to get your boobs checked, treatment, etc., visit www.cancer.org.

Ladies (and guys), bottom line….if you have not gotten your boobs checked in sometime, please do so immediately. Cancer is a monster that can take over one’s life in such a destructive way, and yes, can cause not only suffering but death! Don’t think that this cannot happen to you! 

Free being me, naturally!
Smiles