[arkjarhead]

Ok. It's called "Spit for the Cure". They are trying to find out how far the average lady can spit a cherry pit and how this relates to breast cancer. No, not really. I'm not trying to make light of a serious illness that affects ladies as well as some gentlemen.

What they do is first have you fill out a questionare. It asks about family history of breast cancer, and a few different things. Then they have you spit into a little test tube looking thing. They take the saliva and do DNA tests on them. It seems really neat to me. They are trying to find out more info about who is a target for this diesease.

Recently I heard some stats on breast cancer. The older you get the more likely you are to be affected. When I heard these stats all I could say was, "Oh Lord please help the Doctors and Researchers find a cure, because I know you can".

I know this may seem strange coming from a young man you have never met, but ladies, please do your monthly self exam. If you are at the age to go get a regular mammogram, do it. I have been told they are uncomfortable. I can only take people's word for it. As young as my wife is I still encourage her to do a self exam, just to get into the habit of doing it. Again if this seems strange coming from a young man you don't know imagine it coming from you son, husband, brother, or any other male family member that is concerned but may not know exactly what to say or how to say it. This is a hard topic for a male to bring up to a female, but I felt it had to be done. I was raised in a home where we didn't talk about the body parts of the opposite sex. I was taught it was rude.

If you have a hard time remebering you monthly self exam you can go to Home - FOX16.com , click on the "family health" tab on you left and you will see the BSE monthly reminder. You can sign up and they will send you an email every month reminding you to do the exam.

If I have offended any of you ladies, I am truly sorry. I just felt this needed to be said, and I understand some of you don't have the suppourt system around you that others have.

[cheri1122]

Thanks for the info, Joe, and the nudge - it's appreciated.
And ladies: if your sole support system is the bra you're (one hopes) wearing, there are lots of us available here, for you. Speak up!

[arrbsthw]

thanks for the advice Joe.. I am due my checkup and have
put it off.. it's been weighing on my mind lately though.
My mom had breast cancer and it worries me. No offense to
me by the way.