In May 2018, the Ad Council ran a Public Service Campaign using the Alicia Keyes song; You Don’t Know My Name. This particular advertisement is unique and focused on the bond of sisterhood. But at the end of the commercial, a thought-provoking question was asked: Do you know your girls?
By now, we all know the Advertising Council is a non-profit organization that produces, distributes, and promotes public service announcements (PSA) on health awareness. You may recall the Eva Marie PSA on smoking.
Once again, here are the staggering statistics. Breast cancer is the number one cancer diagnosis in women. The chance of a woman developing breast cancer in her lifetime is one in eight, with 62 years being the median age at diagnosis.
The pioneering singer and actress Diahann Carroll recently died from complications of breast cancer. In 1998, Ms. Carroll underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatments in her battle against breast cancer at the age of 63. 90% of women survive more than five years after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detection is vital for long-term survival.
The “girls” is a cute term for breasts to get your attention. The signs of breast cancer are not the same for everyone. Knowing your breasts can save your life. When it comes to symptoms of breast cancer, it’s all about noticing changes (and getting them checked out). The three most common concerns:
🎀 A change in the look or feel of the breast
🌸 A difference in the look or feel of the nipple
🎀 Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
Take charge of your breast health:
Know Your Risk of Breast Cancer (get screened; there are three screening methods)
🌸 Clinical Breast Exam (Physical exam by a medical provider)
🎀 Mammogram (Mammography uses X-rays to make images of the breasts)
🌸 Breast MRI (not a standard screening method but is used to screen some women at higher risk)
Most insurance companies are mandated to pay for these services thanks to the Affordable Care Act. That includes no out-of-pocket co-pays for women 40 and older. If your doctor says you’re at a higher risk of breast cancer, your screening should be covered.
Medicare and Medicaid also cover breast cancer screening. If you don’t have health insurance, don’t assume that means you can’t get screened. There may be more ways to get reliable, affordable health care than you think. Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, mammography centers offer mammograms at reduced rates. Search the FDA’s database to find a certified center in your area.
Screening isn’t one size fits all.
Your age and other personal risk factors depend on how often you get tested and what screening methods your doctor recommends.
Risk Factors: It is possible to reduce one’s risk of breast cancer
Age (The older you are, the higher the risk of breast cancer)
Genes (Certain changes in our genes that can pass from parent to child can increase cancer risk, i.e., BRCA 1/2)
Exercise (Exercising lowers your risk of breast and other types of cancer)
Alcohol (The more you drink, the higher your risk of breast cancer. Even 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day can increase your risk by 20 percent)
Health History ( Risks include Breast, Ovarian and Prostate Cancers)
Breast Density (This isn’t about how dense your breasts feel – it’s about how they look on a mammogram)
First Period (The younger you were when you had your first period, the higher your risk of breast cancer)
Breast Changes (Texture. Color. Sudden discharge. Itching or pain)
The estimated number of women who will die from breast cancer in 2019 is 41,760. Don’t be blind to all the pink ribbon campaigns for breast cancer; know your girls. Schedule that medical exam and mammogram.
I purposely included this photo of the Harrisburg State Capital East Wing Complex because the fountain stays pink for October. The pink water symbolizes hope for all breast cancer survivors and the importance of early detection in fighting breast cancer.
If led to comment about your girls, do so here using the Disqus comment app or the Facebook post. Thank you, beauties, for reading and supporting The Age of Grace. I greatly appreciate it. Have a fabulous week😘
