October is Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Cancer Institute, “On January 1, 2007, in the United States there were approximately 11,713,736 men and women alive who had a history of cancer of all sites”. This is a staggering number, and the best way to fight cancer is by early detection.

I have lost many family members to cancer of many different kinds over the years. There is a definite concern for our health in our family. As my mother lay dying I remember thinking to myself, “What if I only have a few years left?” In the last few years I have lost too many family members to cancer. Since my mother’s death I have had a complete head to toe workup in fear that I may be ill. Since all of my tests have comeback perfect and I am very healthy, I have to assume my not feeling well was due to the depression over my mother’s death. I feel like I have literally been given a new lease on life.

If you have any kind of cancer history in your family please keep up with your check-ups, they could save your live. Many people put off going to the doctor because they don’t want to hear the bad news, early detection is key to your survival. So, if you feel you are at risk, get your check-ups, take the time to do self-exams, you never know that 5 minutes, or a quick trip to the doctor could mean life or death. If you are at risk for lung cancer, insist on a chest x-ray with every yearly physical, I do. Life is too short, too precious to waste.

If you know of someone that has lost a family member to cancer, please stop and remember them this month.

thegeekwife