October 9,2025
OCTOBER is PINK MONTH
For those of us who ever heard the words 'You have breast cancer' there is no escaping the awareness. Whether a person has just heard those dreaded words or you are weeks, years or decades past treatment and in remission, there are scars. Physical, mental & emotional scars. They are seen and felt everyday, and therefore have a love hate relationship with pink month.
I do, very much, understand and appreciate the need for pinpointed focused awareness - for research, for the community building that happens through walks, and gatherings that celebrate and remember. It is vitally important to find others who understand and are compassionate, to join the journey towards understanding & better health.
Here are a few things PINK OCTOBER should make you aware of:
Your own body!
- Learn how to do a self exam.
- Do an exam regularly - Pick one day and do your exam on that day EVERY week
- Make the time - it could save your life.
- Get comfortable with your body.
- Look at yourself in the mirror - take notice of what you see.
- The more aware you are of your body, the quicker you will recognize changes sooner.
- Any lump, bump, area hardness in the breast area. Remember breast tissue extends to the armpit area
- Tenderness, swelling, warmth, or redness on or around the area
- Changes in skin consistency
- Itchy, scaly, or rashy area around the nipple
- Any pain in a single spot that does not go away over time, or intensifies
If you notice any of the above, please make an appointment with your Doctor. Early detection is key.
The best way to detect breast cancer early is to get regular mammograms. Use PINK OCTOBER as your reminder to book your mammogram. A mammogram can detect a lump as small as 2mm - about the size of a head of a pin vs 22mm - the size of a small grape. The average size lump you might find doing a self exam.
No one will advocate for you better than you!
- Be Strong
- Be vigilant
- Ask questions
- Speak up for yourself
2 comments:
I’m so glad you are sharing for story here in the challenge. I’m particularly happy that you chose to give us information about how to detect cancer. I don’t have it but many people in my family do or did. I always feel the statistic 1 in 8 should be higher because it is what I see in my life. Public Service ad for men, please go for yearly exams and ask for a PSA test for prostrate health.
Thank you for helping raise awareness, Di. Another group who aren't spared - Trans men! A friend of over 50 years is one who's walked through, and come out on the other side.
Several gals in Sister Circle, our women's spirituality bookgroup, are B.C. 'Thrivers' - and I appreciate learning their stories.
The group founder started Sister Circle when she moved back to the area ~ 25 years ago, after her own journey with breast cancer, with our pastor's full support. Books are on many subjects (nonfiction) that we find insightful, and it's a great place to find and give support for many issues.
Nadya
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