Whenever I run into a friend or colleague I haven't seen for several months, they ask about my health and whether or not I'm feeling okay. And I do appreciate it. And for the record, I feel great.
But one woman hesitated a little longer today to tell me she had just visited the doctor. She seemed to be feeling a little guilty because it had been about 10 years. She knew it was too long and felt very lucky that she was given a clean bill of health.
I remembered she had told me months earlier she was going to get a mammogram after learning I had breast cancer and she had finally had followed up on that promise.
I'm glad you went, I said. Just keep following up. And don't wait another decade.
Comments (3)
I applaud you for sharing your breast cancer experience with the world. My mother could certainly benefit from your advice. She had a scare when a benign lump was found in her breast around 1990 and hasn't been to the doctor since. I'm now 23. I've derived a sense of dedication to my own health from her submission to fear. I've lost my fair share of relatives who might still be here had they not delayed seeking medical help.
Posted by vincent | March 23, 2008 11:38 AM
Posted on March 23, 2008 11:38
You're right, early detection is key. It's just as important as prevention, if not more so. I work for icyou.com--a user-generated website that features health videos on any and all topics. We have many contributors who say that, when the issue is cancer, early detection means everything.
Posted by Kevin McCarthy | June 29, 2009 10:02 AM
Posted on June 29, 2009 10:02
You're right, early detection is key. It's just as important as prevention, if not more so. I work for icyou.com--a user-generated website that features health videos on any and all topics. We have many contributors who say that, when the issue is cancer, early detection means everything.
Posted by Kevin McCarthy | June 29, 2009 10:02 AM
Posted on June 29, 2009 10:02