The risk for breast cancer runs very high in my family. With increases in modern technology and medicine, it seems better than ever for cancer patients. That is not to say, however, that patients will be saved just by receiving health care. Specifically with breast cancer, one must remain very aggressive in preventative measures, which includes having an annual exam and getting diagnosed immediately if you notice a lump or unusual symptom. 

I give myself monthly self-examinations and remind my friends and loved ones to do the same. Also, it is a good idea to keep communication open between your primary care provider and family members to keep your information current. I recently learned that mammograms are not always the best option for younger people in diagnosing lumps because the breast tissue is too firm and the machine cannot get an accurate reading. An ultrasound is best for those cases because it can see inside this dense tissue.

Cancer is a terrible illness, and a sad thing about it is many of the deaths from cancer could have been prevented if the cancerous cells were found earlier. In fact, there are treatments for almost every type of cancer that are known to work well, but once the cancer has spread it are very difficult to stop. This is why it is so important to see a doctor often and maintain regular check-ups. Otherwise, you could face some grave consequences. Also, if you notice anything peculiar in your body or something changing rapidly, it doesn’t hurt to do a quick check on the internet to find out more about what my be going on.

Some people go pretty far trying to raise awareness about early cancer screenings. One of those people is Cheryl Crow. She recently held a huge benefit in St. Louis to raise awareness about cancer and raising awareness about screening for cancer early. It is great that so many celebrities are willing to come to fight cancer and to raise awareness about it. Hopefully more will in the future. If Cheryl Crow wants you to go find out if you have cancer or not, how can you deny that?