“Hi, my name is Haley, and I will be your nurse today.”

I start every "Diary of a Nurse" blog like this because it's how I start every shift in the hospital taking care of my patients. I started this blog in nursing school, carried it on throughout my first nursing job in a medical-surgical unit, and am continuing it while I now work in the Intensive Care Unit. And I will soon be beginning my first clinical teaching job for nursing students!

I initially began this blog because I found myself providing so much education to my patients once they were already in a hospital bed. I always wished there were a way to help eliminate that emergency room visit in the first place! Next thing you know, along came my idea for this blog to help educate people before disaster or illness even strike. With this month being October, I want to do something a little different today and discuss breast cancer awareness.

Every year in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity to discuss a disease that affects so many people and to raise awareness in all of our communities that early detection really does matter. Pink ribbons and awareness campaigns are highly visible, but one of the most important messages I can share with you is much simpler: know your risk, know your body, and stay up to date with recommended screenings.

Unlike illnesses or colds that warn you they are there with symptoms like pain, a sore throat, or a stomach ache, breast cancer can often develop with no symptoms at all. A mammogram can detect abnormal breast tissue before a person notices any changes or symptoms. Just because you feel healthy does not mean you should skip screening. In fact, early breast cancer has not a single symptom at all.

For people at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends that women ages 40-74 have a screening mammogram every 2 years. However, it is best to check in with your healthcare provider about their recommendations because this also depends on family history/genetics, age, and personal risk factors. Potential breast changes should always prompt you to speak to your primary care provider, even if it is not time for your scheduled mammogram. Even though every change is not a sign of breast cancer, some possible signs could be a new lump, redness/swelling and, nipple discharge.

As a nurse, when I wear the color pink this month, I am remembering all of those affected by breast cancer or who know someone who is. I am thinking of those who had to spend their afternoons in chemo or receiving radiation. I am remembering those who had to say goodbye to a loved one due to breast cancer. I am remembering those who fought to the very end, or those who were terrified in the room when they first heard their diagnosis. I am also remembering how important it is to encourage all women to get screened for breast cancer, because we owe our bodies that much.

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Written by Haley Heisley