DRUMROLL, PLEASE!

My genetic test results are back and I am ........... BRCA NEGATIVE! That means I do not carry the breast cancer gene mutation (BRCA1 or BRCA2). But I KNEW THAT! I've been saying it over and over ... and I'll say it again ... BIRTH CONTROL PILLS CAUSE CANCER! I don't need any further scientific tests to confirm the link. I AM THE TEST CASE ... it's sooooo clear and obvious to me. Sue me, if you want to.

I know hindsight is 20/20 and perhaps it's not productive to focus on "what was" or "what could have been" ... but it makes me pissing mad that so little attention is given to the dangers of the Pill. While I well understand the fear such a full disclosure could pose for the women's movement, reproductive rights, etc., young women should still be warned of the potential risks associated with extensive use of synthetic hormones. Indeed, this will now become part of my life's calling ... how can I make my life useful given this experience? I have to find some usefulness in this sh-tty diagnosis. I have my good days (which is most of the time) ... but I do have some bad ones as well. Today, I will celebrate that I did not inherit a genetic pre-disposition for breast cancer. And tomorrow, I will work to bring continued attention and awareness to this dreadful disease that takes so much from far too many women and the people who love them.

Girlz, get to know your girlz!

We all know that breast cancer does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, financial or social status, or even sexual orientation. Moreover, women are never too young to get breast cancer ... don't let anyone tell you differently.

The current stats are that 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with BC at some point in their lifetime ... and 1 in 229 women between the ages of 30 and 39 will be diagnosed within the next 10 years. Moreover, there are still a significant number of women diagnosed even much younger than that. Thus, young women need to be especially vigilant in checking their breasts for lumps since annual mammograms typically do not begin until after age 40. Breast cancer also tends to be more aggressive in younger, pre-menopausal women.

Please learn how to do a proper Breast Self Examination (BSE) and then do them religiously! The more often you check your boobies, the better you will get to know them. The Susan G. Komen Web site provides an excellent how-to guide for BSEs. Check this out and get to know your twins! ( . ) ( . )