Will you stand up to breast cancer?
Breast cancer. Those two little words can hold tremendous power. They can invoke feelings of fear, dread, sadness and, surprisingly, inspiration.
My grandmother, “Nana,” was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1984 at the age of 56, about a year before I was born. She was in remission for 7 years before the cancer came back. Despite her strength and courage, she lost her battle less than a year later, only a few weeks after her 64th birthday. My sister, her oldest grandchild, was 10 years old. My cousin, her youngest grandchild, wouldn’t be born until over two years later.
I was 7 years old when we lost Nana, and unfortunately, I don’t remember her too well. There are little things: the way she sat on the porch in her rocking chair, how soft her lap was and how happy she looked when the whole family was together. I remember, all too well, how sad my family was to lose her.
Luckily, a diagnosis of breast cancer today isn’t as bleak as it was in 1984. Since 1989, the mortality rate of a breast cancer diagnosis has been gradually decreasing. Thanks to an increase in awareness, women are getting regular mammograms, leading to earlier and earlier detection. Between early detection and improvements to treatment, there are over 2.8 million American women living today with a history of breast cancer.
Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go. Reducing your risk factors, performing self-examinations, getting regular mammograms and seeing a doctor immediately about any irregularities or changes will help reduce your risk or detect it early, allowing for better treatment options.
While I don’t have many of my own memories of Nana, I have stories from my mother: how brave she was, how she always had a smile on her face, and how worried she was about the cost of her treatment. When my mother told me how much her treatment cost, I realized how unprepared I was if something were to happen to me. What would my husband do?
A few weeks before, I met a PFP | The Family Security Plan® Representative, while he was selling insurance at my credit union. At the time I had never dreamed I would need supplemental health insurance. Why would I? I was young and healthy! After my conversation with my mom, I realized I couldn’t afford to think that way anymore. I left with peace of mind: I had protected my family.
My family lost my Nana much too soon. Her brave smile and warm hugs have inspired me to do my part to stand up to breast cancer. Will you do yours?
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Let us help provide peace of mind for your family. For more information about PFP | The Family Security Plan® and our portfolio of supplemental insurance products, visit our product page or call 855-789-4976 to speak with a dedicated PFP | The Family Security Plan® Representative.
Written by Sarah Way
*Statistics from The American Cancer Society
