Since I look like a militant lesbian at the moment, I may as well embrace a cause and go all out for it. So I've decided to embrace breast cancer and mammograms, a subject very close to my chest (pun intended).
Did you know?
- That breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK?
- That 1 in 8 women in the US and the UK will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime? (Look around you now - if you're in a room of eight women, one of you will get it. Pretty scary thought.)
- That breast cancer incident rates have increased by more than 50% in the last 25 years?
Most importantly though - did you know that BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL RATES ARE MUCH BETTER THE EARLIER IT IS DIAGNOSED?
I did not find out about my breast cancer because I found a suspicious lump in my breast; I paid for a private woman health check and had a mammogram added on. I admit I did hesitate initially - I'd had it done two years previous and it had all come out normal. And besides, it is extremely uncomfortable. It's no fun having your breasts squeezed horizontally AND vertically between two plates whilst a woman with cold hands and an evil grin manhandles them. I'm convinced that mammographers have secret lairs where they practice heinous S&M misdeeds...
Anyway, it seems that I'm one of those that has been hit very randomly by this Evil Crab - there is no history in my family, I don't drink nor smoke, my BMI is good, I limit my dairy intake and I'm a regular gym goer. So it can sadly happen to anyone.
In light of this, I implore you to pick up the phone, or go online, and book that mammogram now. It's not just for you - it's also for all the people who love and care about you.
*Mammograms are covered by the NHS if you're over 50 or have a family history. If not, pay the £85 and do it - it's less than a pair of shoes and will be well worth it.
http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/keeping-well/health-assessments/supplementary-health-checks/breast-health
http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/breastscreen/
Where on Earth do buy your shoes - try Brantano :-)
ReplyDeleteEmbrace the cause! - I for one had no idea that the rates were so high.
ReplyDeleteHaving been treated at an Allergy and Environmental medicine hospital for 10 years, it can be frightening to find out how many other potentially dangerous environmental toxins there are out there. In fact it is a wonder that cancer rates are so low! Continue to focus on the future rather than dwelling on the " Why me? " question, leave that to all those fantastic people in medical research.
I agree Chinot. You may recall my despair on FB in Feb about women who have Botox but not moles checked, brazillians but not smears and boob jobs but not regular mamms.
ReplyDeleteI had exactly the same well women check at Spire in Jan. Best money I have spent for a while. I am sure your active management of your health screening will pay dividends.
Girls and Boys, check those wobbly bits!
;)