Let’s Talk About Boobies — Yes, Yours Because cancer doesn’t care about your family history, your age, or your to-do list.

-

So if you read my recent letter to my younger self, you already know — we’re in our reflection era.

Life is loud. Confusing. And unpredictable. And since I’m being honest with myself lately, I figured I’d keep going and talk about something else we often ignore until it’s too late:

Breast Cancer — and Why You Should Care, Even If You Think You're "Safe"

This isn’t just a health blog post.
It’s October, aka Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
And yes — we wear our pink proud this time of year. We raise awareness, run the races, repost the stats. But the truth?

Breast cancer doesn’t care what month it is.

It doesn’t care if you’re busy, burnt out, or “too young.”
It doesn’t even care if you don’t have a family history.

Family History? Not Required Anymore

We used to think breast cancer only showed up if it was already in the bloodline. A generational curse passed down.
But the truth?

85% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history at all.

Cancer doesn’t need a genetic invite.
It can show up unannounced and change your life overnight — no matter how healthy, young, or uninformed you are.

Get Your Boobies Smashed — It’s Awkward but Worth It

Yes, mammograms are uncomfortable.
Yes, the machine flattens you like a grilled cheese sandwich.
No, you don’t get a gold star afterward (but you should).

But let’s talk facts:

  • Mammograms detect early-stage cancer up to 2–3 years before you can feel a lump

  • Annual screenings starting at age 40 reduce risk of death from breast cancer by up to 40%

  • When caught early, breast cancer has a 5-year survival rate of over 99%

So if you’ve been putting it off? This is your sign.
Make the appointment.
Get your boobies smashed.
It could save your life.

And While You Wait for That Appointment — Check Yourself

You are your first line of defense.
And no, self-exams don’t replace mammograms — but they help you stay familiar with what’s normal for your body.

Here’s how to do a proper self-breast exam (in 3 steps):

1. Look in the mirror

  • Raise both arms and look for dimpling, swelling, changes in shape, or skin pulling.

  • Check if nipples have turned inward or started leaking (without pregnancy/breastfeeding).

2. Feel while lying down

  • Use 3 fingers in a circular motion, working from the outer edge toward the nipple.

  • Cover your entire breast and even into your armpit.

  • Use light, medium, and firm pressure to feel different layers.

3. Feel in the shower

  • This is often the easiest time — warm water, slick skin.

  • Check all areas again for anything unusual: lumps, thickening, or pain.

**If something feels “off,” don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either. Call your doctor. Get it checked.**

Awareness Is Good. Action Is Better.

I love that we go all in for October.
I love the sea of pink, the campaigns, the stories, the survivors standing tall.
But real prevention? Real impact? That takes more than one month.

This journey goes beyond October.
We don’t hang up our pink ribbons on November 1st and forget.
We carry the message all year long — in our checkups, our self-exams, our reminders to friends and sisters and coworkers:
Get screened. Get checked. Get loud about your health.

Do It for You — and Future You

Let’s face it:
You don’t need another thing on your to-do list.
You’re probably holding 47 tabs open in your brain already.
But please — make room for this one.

It’s not about fear.
It’s about power.
It’s about taking charge of your body before it forces you to.

Just like I told my younger self in that letter — confusion is normal, but action is powerful.

So while you're reflecting, growing, or just trying to survive the madness of 2025, don’t forget to take care of you.

Here’s Your Post-Blog Checklist:

  • Schedule your mammogram

  • Do a self-exam this week

  • Send this to one person you love (yes, just one!)

  • Leave a comment or share your story if you’ve walked this journey — we need each other

  • Set a calendar reminder for your next check


    One Last Thing

    The pink is powerful — but you are even more so.  

    Take care of your mind.
    Take care of your body.
    And please — take care of your boobies. 



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

4 Powerful Black History Facts to Inspire and Empower for Fast Facts Friday

-
Image
As Black History Month comes to a close, let’s celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of African Americans with four powerful facts that highlight our excellence. These high-value insights are designed to engage the community and promote health, progress, and empowerment. 1. The First African American Doctor Was a Trailblazer in Healthcare James McCune Smith, born into slavery, shattered barriers by becoming the first African American to earn a medical degree in 1837. He studied in Scotland because U.S. medical schools refused to admit Black students. Dr. Smith went on to open his own pharmacy, advocate for public health, and challenge medical racism. His legacy continues today as Black healthcare professionals fight for equity and representation in medicine. 2. Black Scientists Revolutionized Cancer Research Did you know that Dr. Jane Cooke Wright, a pioneering African American oncologist, played a key role in developing chemotherapy? Her groundbreaking r...
Read more

November Reflections: Lung Cancer Awareness Month and My Brother’s Journey

-
Image
It’s hard to believe it’s already November — Lung Cancer Awareness Month — and almost a year since my brother, Josh, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Even writing those words still feels surreal. When we first heard the diagnosis, what I personally felt (and this is the first time I’ve ever said it out loud, outside of my own head) was that it was a death sentence. But what has unfolded since that day has been nothing short of remarkable. The months that followed were filled with countless trips from the East Coast to the West Coast — helping Josh through chemo, being a support system, and making sure he had everything he needed. There were many late-night calls, endless texts, and virtual visits to go over the information from his appointments. Josh wasn’t always retaining everything the doctors were saying, so we became his second set of ears, making sure nothing slipped through the cracks. After rounds of chemo and radiation — and now with a lifelong pill to help keep the can...
Read more

Mom First… but Who Am I Again?

-
Image
I’m a mom first and foremost. And if I’m being really honest… that’s kind of the problem. Being a mom first means my kids eat, have a roof over their heads, and have clothes on their backs. It means late nights with coughs, sniffles, and those  “I just need you close”  moments. It means putting everyone else first—every single time. It also means  I put myself on the back burner . Like…  way  back. Behind the boiling pot. Possibly forgotten entirely. Somewhere between school drop-offs, grocery runs, and surviving on cold coffee, I forgot a little bit about  me . Not “me-the-mom,” but  me-the-human . And now? I’m being forced to face that. My youngest is going on a  LONG trip  with my mom and sister. I thought I’d be thrilled. Freedom! Sleep! Silence! Instead… I’m a little sad. Mostly because she was  so excited  to go. I genuinely thought her life revolved around me. Turns out…  it does not. Rude. 😂 So here I am. My mom duties...
Read more