10/1/12 - Breast Cancer - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. One in eight. That's a little over 12% of all the women that you know, that I know, who will be diagnosed with this horrible disease. Many will die.

When I was nine I lost my grandmother to breast cancer and the disease continues to affect our family to this day. According to the American Cancer Society, this area of the country has a higher breast cancer mortality rate than many other parts of the country.

There is no cure...not yet. But there is a greater chance for survival with early detection. Early diagnosis through self exams, clinical exams, and mammograms helps save lives. So...why do only half of the women who should have a mammogram have one done? In this time starved world we live in, I would guess that being "too busy" would be the top excuse on that list.

Too often our wives, our mothers, our grandmothers here in the Heartland are far too busy taking care of us. So let's create a little sliver of time to focus on the women we love. Ask them to schedule an exam. Ease their load and help them find the time to see their doctor. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection is the best defense. Now is the time to make that appointment. Help the women in your life find the time.

This is just one of many viewpoints. If you'd like to comment we want to hear from you. Click here to e-mail your response on-line right now, or write us at the address below. Either way, be sure to include your name and hometown in case we use your comment on the air.