Breast Cancer Awareness

If you know me, you know that I am passionate about finding a cure for breast cancer. Don't ask me why, except that it's a good cause. I guess God just placed a tender spot in my heart for this cause. I don't have a compelling story to tell about why or how this issue has impacted my life. All I know is that every story that I hear about breast cancer, makes my eyes well up with tears. I don't want another person to have to battle this disease. Two years ago, I personally made the commitment to take a stand and I raised $2,000 and walked 60 miles during the Dallas/Fort Worth Breast Cancer 3-Day event to help fund research for a cure. It was just something that I knew I had to do. It felt like a life or death decision (life if I took the challenge and death if I didn't). I chose life and challenged myself both phsyically and mentally. Let me tell you, walking 60 miles in 3 days is hard work. I trained for 6 months leading up to the event. I didn't know how I was ever going to make it, but I did it and it was so worth it.

We all need to be informed. So here are a few facts that you need to know. Early detection is key. Now is the best time. Believe it or not, the best time to check for breast cancer is when your breasts feel fine. If you can
find cancer early, there is a much better chance for survival.




Breast Self-Awareness
Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. Screening tests can find cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you:

1. Know your risk
Talk to your family to learn about your family health history.

Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer.

2. Get screened
Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk.

Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk.

Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40.

3. Know what is normal for you
See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:

Lump, hard knot or thickening
Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
Change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices
Maintain a healthy weight.

Add exercise into your routine.

Limit alcohol intake.






Let's stay informed. Knowledge is power. Together, we can find a cure.