February 13, 2020
“I visit my gynecologist every September,” a friend mentioned to me. “I’ll just wait until then to mention it.” The expression on my face must have conveyed my shock. Her recently found breast lump shouldn’t be left unchecked for seven months. Putting off health concerns and ignoring your body’s signals is never wise—I’m a living testament to that.
During self-exams, I’ve found three lumps in total. The first two, which I discovered a decade apart, turned out to be benign. However, two years ago, when I felt another lump, I wasted no time in alerting my doctor. At 35, I underwent an ultrasound and my first mammogram. Both confirmed the presence of a lump, but the radiologist reassured me it was likely nothing serious and scheduled a follow-up in six months.
Initially relieved, I soon felt an unsettling urge to seek a second opinion. After a biopsy, my instincts proved correct: I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Subsequently, I underwent an MRI, genetic testing, and multiple surgical consultations. Eight weeks later, I had a bilateral mastectomy with direct-to-implant reconstruction, sparing my nipple and skin.
I learned that I am not alone in this experience. Approximately 5% of breast cancer patients are under the age of forty. Even with negative genetic tests and no family history of breast cancer, I became one of the statistics. One in eight women will receive an invasive breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime—and I was among them.
While these statistics can be daunting, there is a silver lining. The Young Survivors Coalition reports that 80% of young women diagnosed with breast cancer discovered their own abnormalities. This underscores the vital importance of regular self-exams.
I stumbled upon my first lump quite by accident. While showering, I noticed a lump near my armpit. After a few weeks of waiting, I visited my doctor. After that experience, performing monthly self-exams became my routine—something I’m incredibly grateful for.
Based on my journey, I encourage every woman to conduct self-exams monthly. While it’s not foolproof—breast cancer can evade detection through mammograms, ultrasounds, and even MRIs—knowing your body is your best defense. If something feels off, it likely is.
Not every lump signifies cancer. There are plenty of benign reasons for lumps to appear. Yet, I firmly believe it’s better to be informed than to blissfully ignore potential warning signs. Early detection can truly save lives.
I’m thankful for everyday women and celebrities alike who have bravely shared their health journeys. Figures such as Sarah Johnson, Emily Carter, and others have highlighted the importance of awareness and self-advocacy when it comes to our health.
Regrettably, many women wait for their annual well-woman exams for breast checks. This can lead to gaps of several years between exams. Some women express that they feel motivated to perform self-exams during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but that commitment often fizzles out by December.
I get it—life is busy. As a mother of four, I know firsthand the demands of juggling responsibilities. I also understand the fear that comes with potential medical costs and the dread of discovering something alarming. However, breast self-exams are entirely free. All you need are your hands, a mirror, and a simple reminder on your phone each month. If you notice anything concerning, contact your doctor immediately.
As someone who learned about my aggressive breast cancer early on, I implore you not to wait until October to familiarize yourself with your breasts. Get to know their appearance and feel. Have you noticed any changes? Letting months or years pass without checking can have life-altering consequences.
You deserve to invest those five minutes each month to examine your breasts. There’s nothing magical about Breast Cancer Awareness Month or your annual gynecological check-up. Remember, breast cancer won’t wait.
For more tips on navigating pregnancy and home insemination, check out this helpful resource, or learn more about self-care in our other blog post here.
Summary:
Breast self-exams should be a monthly practice, not just an October activity. Early detection of abnormalities can save lives, and understanding your own body is crucial. With busy lives, it’s easy to procrastinate, but taking just a few minutes each month can make a significant difference.
Keyphrase: breast self-exams
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