By Jaclyn Evans
Staff Writer
The month of October is not only for getting candy and dressing up for a frightful night; it is also a month of spreading the word about breast cancer awareness. As a student who has lost her mother to breast cancer, this month has a whole different meaning to me. You may ask, “How can I be aware of breast cancer?” There are many different ways to keep yourself and others in check.
The number one way to beat breast cancer is early detection. There are simple techniques to do self exams, but scheduling a yearly mammogram is usually recommended for women to maintain good health. You can also ask your doctor, mother, sister, or friend if you have any questions. Asking questions and getting answers is a huge part of being aware. In my opinion, sharing your concern is the most important part of breast cancer awareness. Telling you friends and family to get their yearly mammogram will benefit their breast health. Although the exam is slightly painful, there are new exam techniques to help lessen this pain. So, there really is no excuse to not take care of yourself.
Women are not the only ones affected by breast cancer. It is also a possibility in men, though a more rare occurrence. Men have other ways of doing their part to help prevent and keep awareness out there. As a male in the family, you can make sure to tell your wife, girlfriend, sisters, mothers and friends that you are concerned enough about their health to want them to schedule a yearly breast exam. Your voice can help the women of your family stay healthy.
I cannot emphasize enough the fact that early detection is key to your breast health. Staying up to date on exams will help minimize a negative outcome by breast cancer. Don’t wait until you find a lump to go to the doctor! Try your best to prevent it. I know that if there is one thing that I could say for my mother, it would be the following: Don’t wait, speak out so that everyone knows that early detection is the key to good breast health!
