Breast Cancer Can Attack Young Women Too

By Allison Berman
September 23, 2008

September marks many anniversaries for me: meeting my husband, getting married, my nephew's birthday, and 30 years ago this month, my mother died from breast cancer. She was 40 and I was 4 ½. My older daughter is now the same age I was when my mom died, and it is hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that every new memory that she has of me is one more memory than I have of my mother.

This is a cause close to my heart and I donate to just about any breast cancer related philanthropy. As many of these organizations gear up for breast cancer awareness month (October), my mailbox is already over flowing with requests for donations. I am greeted with terrifying statistics in bold italics to grab my attention - every 3 minutes another woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Every 11 minutes another woman dies of breast cancer. The statistics are true but what are we supposed to do with that information?

Take care of yourself, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Be aware that nobody is invincible at any age. My paternal grandmother died from breast cancer in her 30s. Christina Applegate best known for her portrayal of Kelly Bundy on Married with Children was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at 36 years young.

If you are concerned about "rumors" get the facts even if you feel silly asking the questions. (Nothing can be more embarrassing than the day I asked my ob/gyn if deodorant or underwire bras can give you breast cancer-they can't). Knowledge is power.

Because of my family history I am pretty well versed in the basics and I have been doing self exams for more years than I can remember but you are never too young to start - regardless of your family history. An estimated 5-10% of all breast cancers are hereditary, that means 90-95% are not. Going to your gynecologist annually and having your doctor examine you is great, but it's not enough. You should know your own body so you notice any changes. Get a mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends you get a baseline somewhere between 35 and 45, from 40-49 every 1-2 years and then annually after 50. If you have a family history talk to your doctor about both getting a baseline mammogram 10 years before your family member was diagnosed and about getting an MRI in addition to the mammogram.

Ladies, please, put the paper down, pick up the phone and make the appointment. And for all of you men reading this, tear out this column and give to a woman that you love.

Allison Berman, an artist and mother of two, handpaints custom home accessories for interior designers and private customers. She works out of her home studio in Warwick, NY. See her collection at www.withlovealib.com. She can be reached at ali@withlovealib.com. Her column appears Tuesdays.