October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Perhaps you’re aware, or maybe it’s new to you, but breast cancer has played a significant role in my life. When I was 19 years old, my mother was diagnosed with the disease, and it profoundly impacted me in ways I never anticipated. This experience shaped my career in mental health and fueled my mission to educate others about the importance of self-care.

Before my mother’s diagnosis, my understanding of self-care was minimal. Aside from managing my menstrual cycle, keeping my face clean, and hearing my mom's occasional remarks about the challenges of being a woman, I was largely unaware of what it truly meant to take care of myself. Yet, I had a front-row seat to my mother’s journey through illness, which taught me invaluable lessons.

In the year 2000, my mother’s temperament changed dramatically. She was often erratic, and we, as a family, walked on eggshells around her. Unbeknownst to us, her cancer was spreading. I realize now that her poor diet, lack of exercise, and the extreme stress from her job were significant contributors to her health issues. It was as if her body was sending an urgent message: “We’ve had enough. It’s time to change.”

One crucial aspect of self-care that my mother consistently practiced was attending her yearly gynecological checkup. Thankfully, her doctor insisted on a mammogram before renewing her birth control prescription. The cancer, which went undetected by self-exams, had a spiderweb-like structure rather than a distinct lump. This early detection, made possible by medical technology, provided her with the opportunity to take swift action.

Each decision regarding health is deeply personal, but the importance of regular checkups cannot be overstated.

My mom and I firmly believe that if her stress levels had been lower, it might have altered her body’s response to stress and possibly prevented the development of cancer. While she may not have implemented every self-care practice, her commitment to her annual exam may very well have saved her life.

Everything counts when it comes to self-care. Integrating various practices into our lives can significantly enhance our overall well-being. Yearly exams are not just a routine; they are a vital component of a proactive health strategy. They can detect issues early, when they are often more treatable, reinforcing the idea that our bodies are trying to communicate with us. Listening to those signals—and making time for annual checkups—can be life-saving.

In the end, my mother’s experience taught me that while we may not have control over everything that happens in our lives, we do have the power to prioritize our health through consistent self-care practices. Let us honor that by ensuring we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves—starting with our yearly exams.