Recently, HALO the Breast Pap Test was featured on “The Doctors” TV show when they had their special Breast Breakthroughs episode. “One Life to Live” soap star Crystal Hunt, “Stacy”, was shown having the HALO procedure and was presented her results in front of the live audience. Show host Dr. Lisa Masterson gives an enthusiastic overview of what HALO is all about and why it’s important for young women. Although Crystal is a healthy, young woman, she made the choice to take the HALO Breast Pap Test to find out her breast cancer risk.
I think the most important thing I learned from my breast cancer is that no one is immune to this disease. Those of us who care for cancer patients come to expect that this affords us some immunity but it does not!! Anyone can get breast cancer, male, female, young, old, educated or non-educated, health care professional or not.
The other thing I have grown to learn from my breast cancer experience is that what does not kill us makes us stronger.Cancer can help us to re-prioritize our lives and place those things that truly matter to us back on top. Isn’t it sad that sometimes it takes something like cancer to do this in our lives?
Lastly, we can take control of our post cancer lives and make positive changes in terms of lifestyle, diet and nutrition that can make us stronger, healthier and happier in the long run. Cancer can be a gift in many ways; the key is to walk away from it a different and perhaps better person.
Breast health is important to everyone! Do you know that 75% of breast cancer occurs in women with no risk factors? This means they have no family history, or have not had a biopsy with atypical cells. Their only identifiable risk factor is having breasts! But all is not lost. Knowing these facts you can take proactive steps to reduce your risks.
The first thing is to perform monthly breast exams on a regular basis. This enables you to get more comfortable over time with what your breasts feel like and will help to identify any new areas of concern. Ask your physician to teach you to perform a thorough breast exam.
If there is no family history of breast cancer start yearly mammograms at the age of 40. Do not miss it; take the time once yearly to take care of yourself. Also, the HALO test may help to identify if a patient needs closer follow-up or additional imaging tests.
The HALO allows a physician to identify if a person is producing atypical cells long before a mammogram is abnormal. Like family history, the HALO test may allow us to filter out those women who may need closer follow-up.
Lastly there are definitive lifestyle habits we can all embrace for overall health and also breast health: eating a healthy low fat diet, consisting of at least 4 vegetables and one fruit daily.
Find an aerobic exercise program and do it regularly- it reduces stress, is good for your heart and keeps your bones strong. Together with your health care team you can take steps for a stronger healthier future!
September 29, 2009 Comments (0) 
