So I have found a lump in my breast. No big deal right? I mean I am only 36 and there’s loads of reasons why women have lumps. Worst case scenario it’s Cancer. Did you know that Breast Cancer is one of the most curable Cancers that there is? Trouble is I still remember this from when my mom found her lump (in the shower). She had a double mastectomy by the time she was 45 years old, chemo and radiotherapy. By 48 Cancer had spread through her lymph glands, into her bones (I think that’s how it worked), and she had a 10cm tumour on her liver.
The likelihood of this happening to me – is that any greater because it happened to my mom? Even if it’s nothing the scenarios running through my head make me realise just how hard it all must have been for my mom. My little brother was only 14 when she died. He’d have only been 11 when she was diagnosed – the same age as my second oldest son. Who would take care of my children if I needed treatment? Especially my Sensory Seeker? How would it all work financially? This has reminded me to write a will and next month is Will Aid.
I toyed with the idea of keeping it all off the internet but I am positive that I will go to the doctors and they will say it’s nothing. But I have learnt a few extra things on the way – such as being inactive and drinking alcohol will make me more likely to develop Breast Cancer. It has helped me stop and not reach for a drink and instead head for the fruit bowl. Also my breast is painful – and pain is not often associated with Breast Cancer. Instead of being embarrassed that they will say I am wasting their time I am going to go ASAP because if there is something wrong then early detection is crucial.
The risk of any woman having Breast Cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 8. The risk starts much smaller than this and increases with age, but I am sure you agree that this could happen to so many of us. Do regularly check your breasts so you can early detect any changes.