It was distressing to hear that Robin Roberts of "Good Morning America" has breast cancer and will be having surgery on Friday. But it is good to hear she caught it early. Ironically, she found the lump the same day that the TV show did a tribute to Joel Siegel, who recently died of cancer.
It was interesting to hear that the cancer was detected by a sonogram, not the mammogram. Her doctor ordered both tests in her case. That's new information for me; I didn't know they were both very useful, especially in young women. Roberts is also one of the 80% of women with no family history of breast cancer.
Reason enough to make that appointment, if you haven't this year. I wish Robin well in her healing process.
Gail, thanks for posting this. Hearing of Robert's diagnosis of breast cancer is a good reminder to all, to do a self exam as she did. It also emphasizes what most of us as women have seen in loved ones around us. Breast cancer often hits those who seem to be "doing everything right" and have no family history. Since only 10 percent of breast cancer is considered genetic, we need to look at what environmental factors are contributing. Marin County is now considered the "breast cancer capitol of the world", despite its health conscious residents and high per capita of parkland. Perhaps we should start with the breast cancer carcinogens listed in the recent silent spring study. "Going green" may put us at risk of being considered "tree-huggers", but what do we have to lose?
Lynne Eldridge MD
Author, "Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time"
http://www.avoidcancernow.com