This morning I went for my annual mammogram -- and, as a bonus, got a breast ultrasound. That's two -- two -- two boob jobs in one! (I also just discovered that there is actually a product called "Boob Lube." Who knew?)The whole process was painless, and covered by insurance. Which is why I don't understand why so many women put off or don't get annual or semi-annual mammograms, especially if there is a history of breast cancer in their family or they have risk factors (like smoking).
FYI: Per the Centers for Disease Control: "Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women."
So ladies, especially those of you over 35 and/or have someone in your family who has or had breast cancer, if you have not already done so this year, make an appointment with your OB/GYN or family practitioner to get a mammogram and, if you have "dense" breasts, a breast ultrasound. (Seriously, if you have ever had a pap smear, which you probably get every year, you can handle a mammogram and breast ultrasound, which is basically a breast massage.)
And guys, that is those of you who are married or in a serious relationship with a woman, make sure your partner checks her breasts regularly -- or volunteer to help her out.Thank you.
(Btw, I won't find out the results of my tests until at least midday tomorrow, and while I doubt -- hope -- the girls are normal, I must confess I am a wee bit nervous.)
UPDATED 6/3/10: And the results are in! And I am breathing a HUGE sigh of relief. (The assistant gave me a bit of a scare there when she took a dramatic pause before giving me the results of my breast ultrasound. But both the mammogram and ultrasound were negative. Yea!) Until next year...
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5 comments:
Did you hear there's a promising vaccine that prevents breast cancer in mice?
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/31/breast.cancer.vaccine/index.html
An excerpt:
"Tuohy says there is no funding for human trials at this point, but it has been applied for. However, he speculates it will take at least 10 years to get the vaccine to normal, healthy women at risk of developing the cancer."
No funding? That's unconscionable. Screw the International Space Station, I say!
My mother died of breast cancer when I was a teenager, and I smoke, AND it has been more than a year-am making an appt for my mammo, thanks for the reminder!!!
I thought your message wrapped in humor was very cute! Made me laugh! Making breast cancer and death funny-tough to do but laughter cures cancer!!!
BTW-Capt. Kirk was my first human crush (my first crush was Racer X in Speed Racer-his older brother-hot hot HOT!!!)
Judging from Kirk's expression the first person in line for the "Captain's Special" is movie-era Scotty.
@Betty Cracker: Yes, I heard -- and I am 100% with you. What is it going to take for women's health to take center stage in this country?
@Anonymous: Thank you for that comment. Breast cancer is no laughing matter, but neither is blowing off mammograms (and self exams). Also, I agree with you re Racer X. He definitely got my motor running (back in the day), too. ;-)
@Dave S.: Scotty? Really? Not one of those alien hotties who always seemed to be falling into Kirk's arms (or hands)?
Have you ever seen Kirk react to an alien hottie with what appears to be shock/alarm/horror? I didn't think so.
Google "shirtless James Doohan" for Exhibit B. I cannot personally, as I am at work and also have just eaten.
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