Cancer survivor encourages women to get tested annually

To the editor,Breast Cancer Awareness month has a new meaning for me this year. During my annual mammogram in March, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The competent, caring radiologists and their staff at Herrick Women’s Health Center started me on my journey back to wellness.With each step of my journey, I found wonderful caregivers, not only at Herrick, but at Bixby as well. We are blessed in our county with skilled and knowledgeable surgeons and nurses. Hickman Cancer Center doctors and nurses are giving me the care and encouragement I need to look forward to a bright future, cancer-free. I have had complete confidence each step of the way. I am a survivor.Breast cancer is beatable, especially if caught early. That is why self-checks and mammograms are vitally important. Great strides are being made by medical professionals, not only to save cancer victims, but also to find a cure. Breast cancer is not a respecter of persons. It can strike women (and even some men) of any age or background, regardless of family history.Those without insurance or who have low income can call the Lenawee County Health Department, where they can receive mammograms and necessary help with concerns about cancer and other health issues.During my journey these past six months, I have become aware of three main things. There are hundreds of women in Lenawee County who have had or have breast cancer presently. There are wonderful, competent medical professionals to help and support us. There are many women who do not get mammograms for a number of reasons. Without the mammogram, I would not have known I had breast cancer. Please make breast cancer awareness an important and ongoing part of your life.Carol LegencAdrian