Letter to the Editor: More than pink

October brings a beautiful sea of pink ribbons and t-shirts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But for me, this month represents something much deeper. It  represents a life safer. I cannot let October slip away with out sharing a vital reminder

A mammogram is one of the most crucial steps a woman can take to protect her health. Regular screenings detect breast cancer early, revealing changes long before they can be felt. When caught  early, treatment is  drastically effective, and survival rates skyrocket. I know this firsthand.

In 2017, my routine annual mammogram revealed a concerning 

area. Further testing confirmed my worst fear which was early stage breast cancer.  The diagnosis was devastating. Instantly, fear, uncertainty, and a heavy sense of hopelessness clouded my thoughts. Why is this happening to me? How will this be treated? Will it work? How will my life change? My treatment plan required a lumpectomy to remove the tumor, a series of radiation, followed by three years of preventive medication.

Today, I am incredibly blessed to say that my treatment was a success, a true blessing from God. My medical team was outstanding, guiding me  with immerse care, support, and encouragement through the most difficult chapter of my life. I know in my heart that if I had skipped that mammogram, my story today would look very different.

This is why I continue to fight. This year, I proudly scheduled my mammogram right in the heart of October. It is my way of  staying  proactive and encouraging you to do the same. We are never in this fight alone.  This October, as the world turns pink, let’s do more than just wear the color. Let’s take action, schedule our appointments, and continue to support and lift up one another.

Submitted by: Jean Chapman-Hill

A Retired Lenoir County School Teach

Grifton, North Carolina