October 2009 - Janelle's Blog

During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the news is filled with reminders of early detection. Why is this so important? Every one of us is touched by breast cancer, whether personally or by a friend, loved one, or acquaintance. When I had breast cancer 29 years ago, it was 1 in 11 women who had breast cancer in her lifetime. Now it is 1 in 8.

At National Breast Cancer Foundation, we are saving lives. We provide mammograms for women who cannot afford them. We work with hospitals nationwide to supply the needs of underserved women desperately wanting to get mammograms.

I have spoken with a number of women this month about getting mammograms. Here are a few of the responses:

"I am afraid of what they will find."

"I am too busy."

"I don't have the money to get one."

"I heard mammograms are painful."

"I don't want to have scars."

"If I have to have a mastectomy, I will lose my femininity."