Every Month Should Be Your Health Month
This post is sponsored by Biotheranostics, Inc. (Breast Cancer Index™). Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Even though we spent most of October at home this year, we still knew it was Breast Cancer Awareness month. There’s no escaping the pink ribbons and messages of the month. But really, shouldn’t every month be a month that women prioritize their health, including their breast health? In November and December, the pink ribbons will be replaced with holiday decorations and all the hoopla of the season. But that doesn’t mean breast cancer goes away.
Unfortunately, unless it’s top of mind, many women simply put concerns about breast cancer and screenings on the bottom of their very long to-do lists. It’s even more of a problem today. We women are stretched so thin these days. Whether you have kids going to school from home or you and your kids are both out and about, or you’re trying to keep your parents or other loved ones safe, it’s all a lot. There’s a general sense of anxiety and dread in our world right now. Usually, when things get busy and difficult, women jump to the challenge. Unfortunately, that means women often put their own health last. We know that during this pandemic many women have put off important medical appointments. Some because of understandable COVID fears. Some because they’re just too busy, or feel they need to care for others first.
Personally, I wish more women would realize that self-care isn’t selfish. Taking care of yourself, whether that means a doctor’s appointment or taking time to sit and read a book, is what you do to make sure you can take care of others. None of the things you’re busy doing now will matter if you aren’t around to be with your loved ones.
Breast Cancer Awareness month may be over, but that doesn’t mean we should let this important topic fade away. I’ve been working with the maker of Breast Cancer Index to make sure that we all stay aware of our risks, and are current with our tests. Breast Cancer Index (BCI) is a test that provides information to help women diagnosed with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, and their oncologists make personalized decisions about extending anti-estrogen (also called hormonal or endocrine) therapy beyond 5 years.
Although there’s still a lot we don’t know about breast cancer, there have been so many innovations over the years. Breast Cancer Index is just one way that treatment is getting better, and more personalized, for women. More personalized treatment means less severe treatment, which hopefully takes away some of the fear many women face about getting tested. If you’ve put off your mammogram because of the pandemic, or because you’re afraid or busy, it’s time to take care of yourself. Make a commitment to make that appointment today.
In the meantime, learn more about the Breast Cancer Index test by visiting breastcancerindex.com and follow #notanotherminute on social media.
Founder of Mom Spark – a lifestyle blog for moms.