›› Breast Cancer Symptoms
My
husband’s mother died of breast cancer when he was eleven.
Back in 1979, people did not recognize breast cancer symptoms very
easily. By the time his mother sought medical attention for her
condition, she was in the late stages of the disease. His family was
devastated by her passing. She was only fifty and the entire ordeal was
a great shock to the family. Today, my husband, his brother and his
sister actively participate in fundraisers that benefit breast cancer
research.
Part of their fundraising efforts involves distributing breast cancer
bracelets. The bracelets are pink and made of a stretchy material. This
year, my husband and his siblings plan to distribute the breast cancer
bracelets outside of a local retail store. They plan to do this on
their mother’s birthday in her memory. Donations given in
exchange for the breast cancer bracelets will be given to benefit
research for breast cancer. Part of that research involves finding
breast cancer symptoms early so treatment can be administered as soon
as possible.
The research has
yielded many good results. Today, more and more women are recognizing
breast cancer symptoms. They are completing self examinations every
month and they are having mammograms on a regular basis. The breast
cancer bracelet that my husband gave me is to remind me of my
appointments and to remind me to examine myself every month.
Unfortunately, breast cancer symptoms found during self-exams are
usually found when the cancer has grown enough to be felt through the
skin. This is often later than many doctors would like, but it is still
better to find it before it advances too far, as it did with my
mother-in-law. For years, doctors have suggested that women should
complete a self examination every month, and this is a good practice
for women who may find lumps in their breasts.
There are other
breast cancer symptoms that are not quite so obvious and it is even
better practice to make sure that you keep regular appointments with
your doctor. It is also very important that you keep the lines of
communication open with your doctor as well. Your doctor may recognize
breast cancer symptoms that have gone unnoticed simply because you did
not recognize them yourself.
While you’re shopping this summer, remember to pick up a pink
breast cancer bracelet from a volunteer who may be in front of your
local retail store. The bracelet serves as a reminder to keep you aware
of breast cancer symptoms and it serves as a meaningful remembrance for
one very special woman among thousands of other very special women who
have been lost to breast cancer.
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A Healthy Dose of Good Advice
