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Saving Lives in Waynesville

You hear it over and over again: early detection saves lives. That you should get that yearly mammogram, cholesterol screening, colonoscopy, gynecological check up, Pap smear and perform breast self–examination every month. But…do you do it?

Survival rates for many types of cancer are much better when detected in their early stages. Included are:

• Breast cancer, which with early detection, has a 98% survival rate
• Cervical cancer, which with early detection, has a 92% survival rate
• Colorectal cancer, which has an overall survival rate of 90%.

Interesting fact: breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, yet more women die each year from lung cancer than from breast cancer. And lung cancer is, by far, one of the more preventable types of cancer. All you have to do is eliminate smoking, avoid second-hand smoke, and protect yourself using the proper gear when you are exposed to pollutants. Smoking is responsible for 87% of all lung cancer diagnoses each year!

If screening is so important in terms of early detection, why do so many women seek out excuses to avoid these potentially life-saving procedures?

• Fear of learning the truth
• Perceived lack of time
• Lack of health insurance
• Lack of family history so no anticipated risk
• Inability to communicate due to language barrier
• Lack of child care

While these may appear to be “reasonable” excuses, that is exactly what they are – excuses. They are hardly valid reasons to avoid testing that could assist in early detection. There are many resources available to assist women who do not have health insurance or the financial means to obtain testing. Many clinics run by charitable organizations offer transportation, translators and child care in addition to free or sliding scale services.

There simply is no excuse to avoid a procedure that can offer simple peace of mind and the statement of a clean bill of health. Additionally, you will have participated in an activity that produces feelings of relief and delivers a positive result or an early detection warning that can save your life!