Happy Monday, boo! 

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so before the month ends, I want to talk about something that's incredibly important, especially for us women…

 

 

I want to share a story about a friend of mine, Gabbi, whose experience is a reminder that we should be more proactive about our breast health.

 

Gabbi is one of the healthiest people I know. She's always been diligent about her health, eats well, stays active, and keeps up with regular doctor's appointments.

 

And at 32, she was far from the age most women think about getting a mammogram. Most guidelines suggest starting at 40, right? Well, she thought so too until a close friend, a breast cancer survivor, encouraged her to be proactive. She decided to follow her friend's advice, thinking, "Why not? It can't hurt, and it's better to be safe than sorry."

 

And that decision led to an unexpected discovery.

 

Gabbi's mammogram revealed an early-stage breast cancer that had no apparent symptoms. And that silent intruder might have gone unnoticed for another 8 years until her first mammogram at age 40. 

 

After the diagnosis, Gabbi took immediate action. She underwent a successful surgery to remove the cancer, followed by a course of targeted treatments and therapies. And while the process wasn't an easy one, today, she is cancer-free and thriving.

 

So what does this mean for you? It's not meant to scare you. It's meant to encourage you to listen to your body, no matter your age or how healthy you may feel.

 

It's time to take notes, boo.

 

As you learned through Gabbi's case, breast cancer doesn't always come with glaring symptoms, especially in the early stages. But being aware of the subtle signs can make all the difference. 

 

 

Be sure to look out for common symptoms such as:

 

 

Now, you might be wondering, "Is this something that could happen to me?" Well, breast cancer doesn't discriminate. It can affect women of all ages and backgrounds. That said, some factors may increase your risk, including:

While most women typically begin mammograms at age 40, I encourage you to speak to your doctor about getting an earlier screening if you have risk factors or if something seems off.

 

Regular mammograms are the gold standard for breast cancer screening. They're low-dose X-ray exams that can detect breast cancer before any symptoms appear, which is why early detection is so important. 

 

So, here's the bottom line, boo – don't wait until you're 40 to start thinking about breast health. Be proactive; get to know your own body, and don't ignore any changes or concerns. If you have risk factors, talk to your doctor about early screenings. Remember, catching breast cancer early can be a game-changer, just like it was for Gabbi. Early detection means a better chance of successful treatment and a brighter, healthier future.

 

Let's take a cue from Gabbi's story, and prioritize our health. If you're due for a mammogram or have any concerns, don't hesitate – schedule that appointment today. Your health is worth it, and your future self will thank you.

 

Stay healthy and be proactive, boo!

 

Have a great week!