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EDITORIAL: Think pink and stay aware: Remind loved ones about screenings, self checks

Richmond Register - 10/19/2018

Oct. 19--Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked every October with the sight of pink, is an important annual reminder that about one in eight women will be affected by the disease over the course of their lifetime.

That's one in eight wives, daughters, best friends and family members.

While breast cancer is most often found in women who are age 50 and older, the disease can also affect younger women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 11 percent of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women under the age of 45.

While we spread awareness this month, it's only a once-a-year reminder.

Yet for the millions living with breast cancer, the disease isn't limited to October. It's a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year battle that doesn't take vacations or holidays.

It's important that we take each October to recognize the victims, the survivors and their loved ones. But it's even more essential that we don't limit our awareness of breast cancer to one month of the calendar year.

Women should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and report any changes in their breasts to their health care provider right away. The American College of Radiology recommends that women begin annual mammogram screenings starting at age 40 -- even if they have no symptoms or family history of breast cancer.

And while screenings are important, so are self checks.

"I think until we go through something like this, we don't really realize the importance of it or still have that thought that it can't happen to me, especially being only 38 at the time. Now, I can't emphasize enough how important it is to do self-breast exams at least once a month. If something doesn't feel right or seem right, get in to a doctor right away," said Kelly Gorbett, 39, of Richmond, who was diagnosed with stage I triple negative breast cancer at age 38.

So as we think pink this October, remember to be aware every other month of the year. Remind your loved ones about annual screenings, self checks and what's at stake.

And for those currently battling breast cancer, stay positive and hopeful.

"Just keep fighting," Gorbett said.

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(c)2018 the Richmond Register (Richmond, Ky.)

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