Think Pinker

Today Ann Romney is having her yearly mammogram done after being diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. Because it’s not invasive it’s not technically called breast cancer. But never the less it would be if not diagnosed with Ann’s mammogram.

According to the Boston News Ann says that’s why it is so important for women to have that mammogram yearly. With any cancer early detection improves the odds of survival, and breast cancer is no different. Ann feels very lucky to have that early diagnosis and is looking forward to a full recovery.

Sadly that’s not always the case. Too many women still die each year from Stage IV breast cancer, because it was not diagnosed at a state where it had not become invasive and metastasized to other organs in the body.

Ann Romney’s surgery was quick. She did not even have to remain in hospital overnight. That just goes to show how quickly things can happen with an early diagnosis. Although she saw her surgery as more of an inconvenience than anything, other family members had a different attitude since there is plenty of cancer in her family.

Betty Ford did a great job of raising breast cancer awareness. Only a couple of months after Ronald Regan became president Betty was diagnosed and underwent a mastectomy. She spoke openly about her breast cancer, and was even critisized for her treatment choices. Things have changed a great deal in 20 odd years. Just recently Elizabeth Edwards openly announced her battle with breast cancer although sadly she has a form that there is no cure for.

Awareness is key to having women know what to look for and to get medical intervention immediately if they suspect they may have breast cancer. Woman too commonly put off seeing a doctor and sadly this can result in the disease having spread.

 When figureheads like Ann Romney, Elizabeth Edwards, or Hilary Clinton speak out about breast cancer this is some of the best publicity the disease can get