BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

I had a wonderful time this past Saturday at the Book Clubs United Breast Cancer Fundraiser. The Sistahs of Urban Literature Book Club, Sistahs of the Red Tent Book Club and the Round Table Readers Literary Book Club hosted a “Pink Literary Affair” to benefit one of their book club sisters who is currently fighting the breast cancer battle.

 

It was an honor and a privilege to be able to lend my support to such a magnificent cause and I was moved by all the love and support that was shown to myself and fellow authors Cassandra Baker-Durham, Suzetta Perkins and A.T. Hicks.

 

Along with an engaging discussion about the responsibilities writers and readers share, we also enjoyed a wonderful Bourbon Street influenced meal. I really did like that fried alligator! A good time was had by all and I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to Ms. K.Waiters and her incredible team for putting together such a remarkable event.

 

In honor of breast cancer awareness month I want to reiterate the messages that were shared with us in our event goody bags.  It's important that we women know our boobies and take care of our tatas!

 

BREAST CANCER 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 chances for survival are highest.

1. Know your risk

• Talk to both sides of your family to learn about your family health history  
• Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer

2. Get screened

• Talk with your doctor about 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 age 20, and every year starting at age 40
• Sign up for your screening reminder at www.komen.org/reminder 

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

• Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• 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

To see illustrations of these warnings signs please visit the Breast Facts section. 
 4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

• Maintain a healthy weight  
• Add exercise into your routine
• Limit alcohol intake
• Limit menopausal hormone use 
• Breastfeed, if you can