Today I am participating in a very special blog fest hosted by Stephen Tremp, L. Diane Wolfe, Michael Di Gesu and Alex J. Cavanaugh. Thank you guys so much for hosting this amazing event.
The Survive and Thrive Bloghop is aimed at bringing awareness to disease prevention and early detection for medical conditions that could be avoided with the proper care. This is something I've always felt very strongly about, as a little awareness, a few check ups and screenings can save countless lives. So join us today and help spread the word!
I have a few things I'd like to bring up today, both related to one of the leading causes of death in the United States -- cancer. My maternal grandmother died of melanoma when she was only in her early 30's and my paternal grandfather died of pancreatic cancer when I was a little girl. How many countless others of you have also lost friends and family members to this deadly disease? I implore everyone out there to do a little research into their family history, as genetics do play a role. Knowing what diseases your relatives have battled can give you a better idea what you might face, and what you should screen for. My grandmother (and several other more distant relatives) have died from skin cancer, therefor I need to take special notice of any discolored skin or moles.
But don't stop with your family history. Until my mother found out that she had breast cancer, there wasn't one other relative in my family tree that showed any signs of it. And yet, when she went in for her yearly check up, her doctor noticed a lump and did a biopsy that showed Stage 1 breast cancer. Getting checked out once a year saved my mother's life, and it could save yours too.
There are also tests now that can check for genetic risk factors in regards to cancer. For example, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 tests can help women determine the likelihood of breast or ovarian cancer. This might be a good test for anyone out there who doesn't know enough about their family history to determine whether they might be at risk.
So please, take the time to do your homework and get tested, even if it's just once a year. You never know what might be the difference between Stage 1 (treatable) and Stage 4!
Yes! I have breast cancer in my family too. My mom was diagnosed early, and she credits early detection with saving her life.
ReplyDeleteS.L., thanks for sharing this. I've been so bad - avoiding these yearly tests, but I do know they save lives.
ReplyDeleteThere are yearly checkups for men as well. Not fun, but better to catch it early.
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating in the blogfest.
Glad to hear your mother caught the breast cancer so early! Best wishes to her and a full healthy life that lies ahead!
ReplyDeleteFind out you have any form of cancer is terrifying, but hearing Stage 1 rather than Stage 2 is the best. So glad your mom caught hers in time.
ReplyDeleteHi, S, L,
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating in the hop. You are so right about CANCER,... I HATE IT! It runs rampart in my family. BOTH my parents had it and my died from pancreatic. Sadly there is no early detection for that particular cancer. But for others... you bet!
Testing is urgent, especially for woman and breast cancer. Men need to have their yearly exam for prostate cancer. Not fun, but necessary. And like Stephen says, we all need to get that colonoscopy at a certain age. I know I need to go. I know it's very unpleasant but it is necessary....
Glad you mom is alright.... Early detection is the key!
Oh Colon cancer runs rampant on my dad's side and I have a colonoscopy every 5 years. I just did the third one this past summer and am clear. The sweet tooth also runs on my dad's side as well and I always wondered if there was a relation to diabetes and colon cancer or at least eating too much sugar. I have Ehlers-Danlos and that is genetic all the way and it is not fun. I think it is from my mom's side. Macular degeneration is on my mom's side as well so I take lutein and eat carrots. Hopefully it can be prevented. I agree with yearly check ups as cancer is so nasty
ReplyDeleteThanks for raising awareness. Yes, there are cancers that are incurable or that can't be detected until too late. But most can be detected early. Mammograms, colonoscopies, prostrate exams. Take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of cancer on my father's side of the family. Family health histories are so important.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt was just diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, so that's certainly on our minds right now. I've had pre-cancerous moles removed, as well, and various cancers run in our family. I make sure the doctors know about family history and am trying to get healthier again. I haven't done the genetic testing, but a friend did so and discovered some scary markers that caused her doctor to take fairly extreme measures. They might just save her life.
ReplyDeleteMy father and brother-in-law both died of pancreatic cancer and both at age 67. My step-father also died of a similar cancer a few years ago. It's something that I think about. Hopefully I'll avoid anything like this or if it comes to me I hope it's a a fairly older age.
ReplyDeleteLee
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Early detection is key for sure. It's crazy how easily we take our own health for granted. Great post.
ReplyDeleteHi SL - so difficult - cancer just strikes, but if we keep aware we can help ourselves in this day and age ... early detection and gene testing if appropriate ... great thoughts - Hilary
ReplyDeleteCancer can be scary so some decide not to get tested, but it's an important reminder that early detection can save a lot of lives.
ReplyDeleteWe have to be responsible. Find time to make that appointment. Routine check-ups = early detection…
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Thanks for the reminder.