ACTION CHECKLIST for Breast Cancer ACTION Month!
1. Breast Cancer Survivors and Thrivers owe it to our sisters suffering with metastatic breast cancer to advocate on their behalf. We have been through the fire and can talk the necessary talk to represent their feelings, their struggles, and their trials. The smallest gesture will be appreciated. TALK ABOUT IT!
2. Call your Representatives to advocate for lowering drug prices, supporting funding for research and making health care affordable. Many chemotherapies are now sold through pharmacies and don’t require infusion in a hospital setting. These drugs are handled differently by health insurance plans and often require unaffordable co-pays. Cost should not be a barrier when dealing with health issues.
3. EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES! Start conversations with everyone you encounter. Encourage them to check their breasts and know their normal, so when something is not normal, they will recognize it and take action.
4. Know your HERstory! While 92% of black women agree breast health is important, only 25% have recently discussed breast health with their family, friends, or colleagues. And, only 17% have taken steps to understand their risk for breast cancer. Talk about it!
5. Know that 95% of breast cancer is NOT hereditary! Only 5% of breast cancers are hereditary! Just because your mom didn’t have it, does not mean you are off the hook! Schedule your monthly self-exam on your calendar so it becomes a monthly routine.
6. Schedule your annual checkup today! When you do get your mammogram, go to a facility that only has 3D mammography equipment.
7. Make sure you are an advocate for your own health. Trust your gut when you think something is wrong. If you don’t feel good about what a doctor is telling you, go see another one. Put yourself and your health first.
To ALL breast cancer Survivor Sisters, live your best life every day and continue to fight our pink fight. To my breast cancer Warrior Sisters, have faith and fight like girls. Join in the commitment to Breast Cancer Action Month! Let’s do this together! And it would be remiss if we didn’t say, CHECK THE BREASTS THAT YOU LOVE, I KNOW YOU HAVE A PAIR! (Compiled BlackDoctor.org)