A Better Safe Than Sorry

Better Safe than Sorry

Breast cancer is genetic is a phrase I have heard my whole life. You would think I would have been prepared when I learned that my mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I was not. I came home one night after softball practice, went straight to my room and found that my sister was crying. My sister didn’t hold her tongue for so long. She quickly blurted out in tears “Mom has breast cancer!” I stood there shocked, not knowing what to say or do. Was she joking? Is this just another one of her twisted tricks? I tried to think of any other explanation but the expression on my sister 's face said it all. My mom was just in the other living room, I had just walked right past her on my way into my room. I didn’t know what to do or say to her. I was instantly devastated and my eyes were already watery. I was the oldest of the girls in the house, with 5 other younger siblings. I can’t go out there and cry, that would send everyone into panic mode. The kids are not even fully aware of what 's going on yet. That is the night I felt my life change in seconds. People should be more aware of breast cancer and get checked regularly to avoid being one step too late.

You never know when this disease will hit you or someone important in your family. Most people tend to think it is only genetic, but my mom proved that to be wrong, as no one in her family ever had breast cancer. It is a well known fact that breast cancer is genetic. About 5% to 10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary caused by abnormal genes passed from parent to child (Roth 14). But what people don’t usually tend to know is that you can get breast cancer regardless if it runs in your family or not. Breast cancer can even be devel...

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...te in treating it has increased tremendously. Knowing what 's available in the medical field these days is really reassuring. There is always a way to help and get through the obstacle. It is still always smart to keep an eye out and be aware of your breasts. Once you really get to know breast cancer and its details, you can help your body conquer it. My mother made an amazing recovery. I still thank God to this day. She is now sitting with us at home, alive and well. The recovery process was long and hard, but she managed to pull through for her 5 kids. I consider my mom to be a very lucky women with God by her side. Having conquered stage 3 breast cancer is something to be proud of. However not everyone is the same. That is why it is best to stay aware and get your breasts checked monthly. The saying “better to be safe than sorry” has never been more accurate.