October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 07, 2011

It's been three years already since my sister died of breast cancer. I am reminded every time I see the pink ribbons in the stores, in newspapers, and all over the TV. So, I thought I would write a blog to encourage women to check themselves and get yearly exams to try and catch this disease before it gets too far advanced.

MCPL has many books on breast cancer and treatments. These may be very helpful for a woman with this disease or for the family members to help understand what is going on. I believe a good support system is so necessary, and books can help you find more resources you may need in between your doctor visits.

Some books you might check out are: Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know-Now, Straight Talk about Breast Cancer, and 100 Questions and Answers about Breast Cancer.

My sister had the support of her family and church and the excellent help of the people in charge of Hope Lodge in Kansas City, Mo., where she and her husband stayed whenever they had to come to the city for medical treatments. We miss her greatly, and every year we make a donation to the Hope Lodge in memory of her.

Here are some helpful links:

• Hope Lodge - information on finding support in your area.
• www.cancer.org is the website for the American Cancer Society.

Wanda B.
Raytown Branch