In response to the flurry of comments regarding my "Hooters Air.... Oh wait, that airline went bust" line, which apparently titillated some of my (male) readers, and because this morning I had my annual mammogram (doc said my breasts looks great! I am assuming he meant that professionally), this post is dedicated to the care and maintenance of the female breast, surely something we all can agree should be lovingly and dutifully cared for, twice over.
I am not a big fan of going to the doctor, but every year, without fail, I go see my GYN and get a mammogram.
Ladies, if you are 40 or over, and especially if someone in your immediate family has or had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram every year -- and do a monthly self examination. Btw, if breast cancer runs in your family and one or more females found a lump pre-menopause, you should have a mammogram every year starting at age 35 or 10 years before that person's breast cancer was detected.
No excuses. A self exam is free -- and mammograms, which only take a few minutes and are not invasive, are covered by insurance. And if that isn't enough, it's always nice to hear a professional tell you, "Your breasts look great!"
And while I am on the subject of boobs and professionals: Today is opening day of Major League Baseball season! Gooo Mets! (Game, against the Florida Marlins, starts at 4:10 p.m. ET and Santana is pitching.)
ADDED 4/2: If you have not already done so, please read the comments as they contain important/helfpul information. And please share this blog post with a friend who could benefit from it!
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7 comments:
You are a dear friend but I am afraid we must agree to disagree.
GO NATS!!!
Please note that all Nats Hats worn in our household have the DC logo instead of the W logo, for obvious reasons.
Thanks, J, will have to check up on the mamo protocol. Feeling guilty being 42 and never had one.
But just a reminder for men to also self-examine. Just had a very healthy friend diagnosed with testicular cancer.
So let's get feeling each other up, out there!
For those of you who do not follow baseball, the "Nats" are the Washington (D.C.) Nationals baseball team -- and many fans prefer not to have a "W" on their caps for political reasons.
More importantly, the Mets won their season opener against the Florida Marlins yesterday, 7 - 2.
And even more importantly, men definitely need to get checked out for colon and testicular cancer, though I don't think there is a self or partner check for detecting colon cancer.
JS, It's worth noting that insurance agencies no longer require prescriptions to cover mammograms. All it takes to schedule one is a call! Also, I think mamo facilities are required by law to provide results directly to the patient same day, if so elected. just had one myself. The few minutes of discomfort are well worth it!
Here here. . .just smoosh it.
Signed,
Smooshed before 35 - since the late 90's.
So true J... I have a friend who had her initial mammogram at 40, and then didn't go back for 3 years. She just had a mastectomy.
Thanks for putting the word out there.
A friend just made a great suggestion, which I wanted to share: If possible, schedule your annual GYN appointment and your annual mammogram appointment six months apart. That way you are twice as likely to catch something early -- and literally nip it in the bud. (Sorry. Just couldn't resist. ; )
Also, for those of you smoke, stop. It elevates your risk factor for cancer, all kinds.
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