Do Not Let Fear Keep You from Taking Care of Yourself: Early Detection Can Save Your Life

I have had my share of health challenges since birth. I was born premature, I had breathing disorders, and the doctors were not even sure I would survive. During my adult years I was diagnosed with cervical cancer, I have wrestled with arthritis and just last year I had emergency gallbladder removal surgery.  As I get older it is my desire to make sure that women take care of their health. We should not let fear keep us from taking care of ourselves. Early detection can save our lives. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we see pink ribbons, participate in walks, celebrate survivors, remember those we have lost, and encourage women to take charge of their breast health. But beyond the pink ribbons and awareness campaigns, I believe there is a message that every woman needs to hear: Your health matters, your life matters, and taking care of yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and those who love you. 

Although I have never personally experienced breast cancer, I have friends who have walked that difficult journey. I have witnessed their courage, their determination, their fears, and their faith. Some have survived and are thriving today, while others have faced tremendous challenges. Their experiences have reminded me that cancer does not discriminate, and none of us should take our health for granted. Thankfully, because I had been tested and my cancer was discovered early, I was able to receive treatment that helped save my life. I often think about what might have happened had I not gone for that examination. What if I had postponed my appointment? What if I had ignored the importance of routine testing? What if fear had prevented me from finding out what was happening in my body? Those are questions I am grateful I do not have to answer. My experience taught me something that has stayed with me throughout my life. Knowledge gives us the opportunity to make informed decisions that can protect our future.

As women, we often spend so much time taking care of everyone else that we place ourselves at the bottom of our own priority lists. We make sure our children have their appointments, our spouses and loved ones are cared for, our professional responsibilities are handled, and our communities are supported. Yet somehow, when it comes to our own health, we find reasons to wait. We tell ourselves we are too busy. We feel fine, so there is probably nothing to worry about. Or perhaps we are afraid of what the doctor might discover. But here is what I want us to understand: Avoiding a test does not prevent a diagnosis. It may only delay the opportunity to address a problem.

Breast cancer screening is important because some cancers can develop before a woman notices any symptoms. Mammograms can help identify changes that might otherwise go undetected. While no screening test is perfect, finding breast cancer early can provide more treatment options and improve outcomes. Women should speak with their healthcare providers about when to begin mammograms, how often to receive them, and whether their family history or other risk factors require additional screening. We should also pay attention to changes in our breasts and report anything unusual rather than waiting for our next scheduled examination. And while October focuses on breast cancer, I want to encourage women to think about their overall health. I also recognize that not every woman has easy access to healthcare. Financial challenges, lack of insurance, transportation difficulties, and demanding work schedules can make routine examinations difficult. That is why we must continue advocating for accessible healthcare and helping one another locate community clinics, screening programs, and resources.

Do not wait until something is wrong to start doing what is right for your health. Your life has purpose. Your presence makes a difference. And your future is worth protecting. This October, let us wear our pink ribbons proudly. But more importantly, let us turn awareness into action.

Wendy is the Purpose Partner helping women go from Crossroads to Confidence, from Shaken to Unshakable, from Purpose to Power. To learn more visit WendyGladney.com and ForgivingForLiving.org