Early Detection..

I just heard that there is a new study stating that women should wait until age 50 to have a mammogram, and then only every 2 years after that.  They do state that this new guideline does not apply to those that have a family history of breast cancer or that carry the BRCA gene.  I'm not sure who funded this study but it concerns me a great deal.

My twin sister was diagnosed at age 28 and died at age 32.  Yes, there is a strong history of breast cancer in my family, but statistics also show that a large percentage or women that are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.  There is a group called the Young Survival Coalition.  Those women would not be survivors if they followed this new guideline.  Many women are dismissed by their doctors because they are thought to be too young to have the disease. 

My hope and prayer is that women will follow their own intuition and listen to their bodies.  Do your breast self exams monthly.  If you find something out of the ordinary, get it checked out.  Don't use the argument that breast cancer doesn't run in your family.  Don't use this new study as an excuse to not get a mammogram.  Learn your own body and listen to it.  Don't be afraid to get a second opinion or even a third opinion.  I can't stress this enough - Listen to your body and Know when something doesn't feel right.

Do your self exams, and get a baseline mammogram.  Please.  It could very well save your life.

Peace and Blessings,
Evie