Healthy Living

I can't say I get the "boob flash in exchange for beads" tradition that has always been so popular down in New Orleans especially during Mardi Gras. Don't women understand: it's just a string of plastic beads?

Women at high risk for breast cancer often face difficult questions, like this one that an anonymous poster recently voiced:

Would you have your breasts removed to prevent cancer?

Remember last year when a government task force recommended that most women in their 40s should NOT get routine mammograms?

Lots of women and medical experts were outraged at this recommendation because starting regular screening at age 50 (instead of 40) represented a dramatic shift in the approach to breast cancer detection.

Now, two groups have released a joint recommendation in response to the guidelines from last year. They say: Mammograms should begin at 40 for women with an average risk of breast cancer and by 30 for high-risk women.

I'm having a hard time keeping up with all these new guidelines...are you?

We weren't the only ones who were upset this week after a government task force announced that most women in their 40s should no longer get routine mammograms; instead, it recommended that regular breast cancer screening start at age 50.

Women (and their doctors) across the country—including here on CafeMom—were confused and uneasy about this dramatic shift in approach to breast cancer detection.

That's why I was so relieved to read despite the new mammogram advice, Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is telling women to "don't change what you do."

A government task force has some new advice regarding breast cancer that flies in the face of the guidelines most women have been instructed to follow by their doctors. Here's the gist of it:

Photo From Mattel

I've read plenty of fun facts about what Barbie's measurements would be if she were a real woman—but nothing quite as specific and thorough as this post on Never Say Diet:

For example, if Barbie were a real woman, her feet would be a child's size THREE!

Don't worry, there's much more where that came from...

Throughout October I'm showcasing breast cancer survivor stories from CafeMoms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope that these stories not only raise awareness but also provide hope and comfort to women who have been diagnosed or are being treated for the disease.

Today, Ariel91, mom of two, shares with us her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31. I chose to post her story today in recognition of her last scheduled radiation treatment, so as you read this, please be sure to send good thoughts her way!

Throughout October I'm showcasing breast cancer survivor stories from CafeMoms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope that these stories not only raise awareness but also provide hope and comfort to women who have been diagnosed or are being treated for the disease.

Today, Gina.L, mom of three, shares with us her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 26. What doctors thought to be a nursing problem, ended up being Paget's Disease, an extremely rare form of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is an issue that is dear to my heart. That's why for Breast Cancer Awareness Month I'm showcasing breast cancer survivor stories from CafeMoms. I hope that these stories not only raise awareness but also provide hope and comfort to women who have been diagnosed or are being treated for the disease.

Today, Glennax2, mom of two, shares her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35, testing positive for the cancer gene, and doing all she can to make sure her two daughters don't get the disease.