This post is sponsored by Genentech. As always, all content and opinions are my own.
It’s been about a month since my birthday and I’m not going to lie, turning 35 was a bit of a pill to swallow than in birthdays past. While I know it’s just a number, it was a milestone birthday that seems to have creeped up a lot faster than my 20-something self ever dared to dream.
But, I’ve since realized that that was a fleeting feeling. I am so fulfilled in my life as a 30-something and I’m so excited to see what’s in store in the years to come. I wholeheartedly appreciate that my birthday celebrations made me reflect on all the blessings in my life. From friends to career, to my family and self, I am so grateful to be healthy and happy as I look forward to the back half of my thirties.
I’ve mentioned it here before, but one of the things that I’m continuing to focus on in my thirties is proactive healthcare.
In addition to my annual check-ups, I’ll be scheduling an annual mammogram exam. At first thought, it is something that makes me uncomfortable. Both in the fact that I’m still trying to incorporate proactive healthcare into my wellness routine. And also, the idea that I’m of the age to be having these exams done.
But, it’s something important and personal to me. Both my mom and my MIL dealt with abnormal mammogram exams in the past. I still remember my mom having several exams and biopsy procedures completed. And I remember anxiously awaiting test results with her over and over again. Thankfully, her results came back as benign, but it was a big wake-up call for me to stay informed and relevant about all types of breast cancer.
I’ve always known the symbol of the pink ribbon and its impact on breast cancer awareness, especially over the last thirty years. It’s how I’ve learned about how breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among women in the U.S. and one of the most widely recognized diseases in the world. And that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life.
Not One Type
Like many of you, what I didn’t realize is that there are a multitude of different types of breast cancer.
The truth is, breast cancer is extremely complex and not a one-size-fits-all disease. It’s classified into different types based on the unique characteristics of each tumor, including the size, lymph node status, stage and subtype, among others.
These four right here? They’re my reasons why; why proactive healthcare is so important to me as a thirty-something woman. Especially when it comes to the topic of breast cancer. It’s such a widespread disease that unfortunately touches so many of us in some way in our lives.
Earlier this year, the Not One Type campaign was launched at a pop-up in NYC with ThirdLove, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Genentech and Giuliana Rancic to help change the perception that breast cancer is a one-size-fits-all disease. You can find out more about this initiative and about the resources available to spread this info and knowledge.
Be sure to check out NotOneType.org to learn more about the Not One Type campaign and the different types of breast cancer. You can find detailed information on size, status, stage and subtype + questions to ask your doctor on NotOneType.org. Learning more about the different types of breast cancer can help you be a more informed patient or supporter – now or in the future.
The more we know, the more we’re empowered to help and support one another in the fight against breast cancer.
