By By Carolyn Bivins
If you really love your moms, mamas, mothers, nanas, nannies, grannies, grandmas and aunties one of the best gifts you can give them is an appointment for a mammogram and a pap smear! Why? Because we want them to be around us – their families – for a long time.
Since I became a member of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Coalition I have become a firm believer of the importance of having a complete physical annually. I now know that women are like walking time bombs! "WE" get so busy that we put off this simple procedure year after year. I realize how discouraged our doctors must be to know how many lives could be saved if only women would attain this simple procedure.
Alabama has the misfortunate to lead the nation in deaths from uterine cancer. However, you can become smart and adopt the following slogan "Early detection is the best protection." To prevent breast cancer –
Women age 20 and older should perform breast self – exam every month
Women age 40 and older – should have a mammogram every year, clinical breast exam every year and they should also perform breast self-exam every month.
The American Cancer Society recommends that we "Take Control-10 Steps to a Healthier Life and Reduced Cancer Risks." Follow these tips:
These are just a few steps you can take that will lead to a healthier life and reduce cancer risks.