40

Any woman under 50 who had their breast cancer caught on a mammogram kind of wonders what all the fuss is about. Are we disposable? There are at least in NYC a decent size group of us.

So today's news that a major medical group believes mammograms starting at 40 is the way to go is a bit of a relief.


http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/20/docs-group-urges-mammograms-every-year-starting-at-40/

Still mammograms are not enough, they are especially imperfect in younger women with dense breasts.

But it's something.

Taiwan's Pet Scan Setup

I never knew Asian women had denser breasts! Interesting article.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2011/07/12/2003508032

Action, Action, We Want Action

A-C-T... clap clap clap.... I-O-N

Remember that cheer from the high school basketball sidelines?

Apparently Komen is changing breast cancer awareness month to breast cancer action month!

It's kind of a savvy move, and shows that Komen is picking up on some subtle changes in the breast cancer community.

Some might say they are simply co-opting the sharper message of other cancer groups.

A few weeks ago I saw "The Normal Heart" on Broadway.

The play is a fascinating look at the beginning of the AIDS crisis, and was especially poignant, because the performance I saw took place as the New York State Legislature was just days from legalizing same-sex marriage.

But I digress, what it really showed me was how intense and fractious the fight for any sort of AIDS awareness was in the 1980's.

So here is the thing. I don't think all breast cancer survivors and organizations have to be on the same page.

If some women feel a more political organization suits their attitudes, that's a good thing.

Stirring things up is probably to the benefit of all of us. But, I still think some of the traditional events and campaigns also have a place.

So what sort of action do you want to see?

The Pink Haze

This is a pretty darn interesting article, suggesting that the traditional feminine rose-colored breast cancer PSA's may actually make women turn the other way.

It's interesting because until now, the pink vs. no pink debate has been mostly theoretical.

While I get overwhelmed by all the crazy pink products, and for some reason the NFL pink really pushes my buttons, I also appreciate the simplicity of the symbolism.

I appreciate that at least there is awareness of our disease. Having something that is unknown really isn't easier.

Plenty of women I respect have stronger opinions, and wouldn't mind seeing every pink ribbon go away.

I suppose some tasteful moderation is too much to hope for?

http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2011/07/07/should-breast-cancer-ads-play-up-the-pink/

How do you get away from it all?

This is the longest I've been without an update.

I have been busy with work and some summer fun.

It's funny, I was in the middle of a fun social  moment, and a discussion of cancer came up. My sweet hubby tried to change the topic, wanting a bit of a holiday from cancer chat.

Perfectly reasonable, and something I need to be aware of.

However for me, especially as I struggle through the "lymphedema summer" there is really never a break.

While I don't constantly obsess about recurrence, I am constantly watching my arm, protecting it from heat, bugs, scrapes, the works.

So cyber-friends does the cancer watch never stop, or have you discovered ways for your mind to escape?

Suzanne

image from sarajaned.com