A sign in the radiology unit of a local medical center where mammograms are performed reads "We Care About Your Image." Well heck, who doesn't like medical humor especially when you're about to have you breast flattened by a cold, metal press while you hold your breath for 3 seconds?

We all know that breast cancer is no laughing matter.  On their web site, the National Cancer Institute estimates that 182,460 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,480 women will die from it this calendar year. One in eight women will be diagnosed sometime during their lifetime.

Why then, have the number of women getting mammograms dropped when we all know that early detection saves lives? According to the American Cancer Society, there was 1.8% decline in mammography screening from 2000 to 2005. That percentage may not sound like a lot, but it equates to 1.5 million women who chose not take a step toward saving a life, namely their own.

We can't control everything that goes in our life, but when it comes to protecting the life we have, getting a mammogram is doable.

Below are the names of the women I know and care about who are fighting or have lost their fight to breast cancer. Send me a comment with the first name of the person you know who should be on this list and I'll add it. Maybe someone who has not scheduled their mammogram will see this post (feel free to share it!) and pick up the phone and get that mammogram scheduled. If you're over 40, an annual screening is recommended. If you know someone over 40, call or email her and ask when she last had a mammogram.

Still Fighting
Lisa
Patricia
Merle
Norrine

Added by readers:
Diane
Debbie

No longer with us to Fight
Irene
Phyllis


Added by readers:
Former student's mother lost fight
Ann

Click "Start the Conversation: Add Your Comment" to add names to this list.

Update 12/17/08, 9:36 a.m. - rec'd email from friend in Martinsville, VA, she made her appointment yesterday -- yea!!