Having lost my Mother to breast cancer almost 40 years ago (1987) at the tender age of 26, she was only 45, and still there is no cure despite zillions of dollars being raised, I am numb to wearing pink and joining the annual October breast cancer frenzy. I am admittedly a cynic who believes in a capitalistic society, there is no money and less interest, in a cure...
No matter, breast cancer is real and Black Women are disproportionately affected. Recently, I even lost a Black male friend to breast cancer. Like it or not, it is real and poses a serious threat to the Black community.
Be it October or any other month, please be proactive and be sure to get your annual mammogram. Request an accompanying ultrasound if you have a history. It is automatic in some other countries. In the interim, actively conduct self exams. Be assertive with your doctors. Educate yourself and be knowledgeable about your condition, or detection thereof. Don't shy away from getting second, or even third opinions. Be open to exploring non-traditional approaches. Tell your doctor to treat you medically as s/he would treat their own Mom. We know that Black folk are seen in the medical field as less human, and more dispensible. Unapologetically advocate for you and/or your loved ones. If she is too tired or overwhelmed, do it for her. If not you, who? Daughters, be prepared to do a role reversal. Mom will thank you later...
Most important, be a source of support to all women dealing with the reality of the disease. I have a very dear friend on this journey right now... Loan your Sis a shoulder, be her sounding board, allow her tears to flow, catch them and then build her up because despite there still being no cure, there have been advances in treatment and survival is not as elusive as it was in 1987. I am a hopeful cynic...
Be aware and take care of you...
~ Miss Higgi
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