Moms Talk: Hoping for a Breast Cancer Cure

October marks the 25th year of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I would be remiss not to devote a Mom’s Talk column to this special subject.

As a woman, daughter, mother and friend I am acutely aware of how important  is, and I don’t mind all of the unique items that are sold in the stores during October. Shopping for things you don’t need is acceptable when it’s for a good cause, right?

I can think of five women whom I personally know who have battled this disease in the past year; two unfortunately lost that battle. My hope is that by the time my daughter is my age, a cure will be available. 

There are countless celebrities who have discussed their battles with breast cancer, most recently E! channel personality Guliana Rancic. She had been trying to get pregnant through in vitro fertilization treatments when her doctor suggested she get a mammogram, which she had not planned on doing until she was 40. The test came just in the knick of time: She learned that she has a treatable form of cancer in its early stages. 

Early detection is critically important. Women must make a point to see a gynecologist for an annual exam that includes a breast exam. can be done at any time.  should be scheduled according to a physician's instruction: Some women need to have the procedure at an earlier age than others. 

There are few things I can think of that are scarier than a cancer diagnosis, but there is a tremendous amount of resources online to about breast cancer.