Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I feel it’s important to share something very personal.
I’m almost 43 (my birthday’s next month 🎉), and during my most recent health check-up, I was diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) — a non-invasive or pre-invasive breast cancer, or Stage 0 breast cancer.
Thanks to my doctors carefully comparing my latest results with previous mammograms, they noticed some changes and ordered extra imaging and biopsies. That’s how we discovered it early — while it’s still “in situ,” meaning it hasn’t spread elsewhere in the body.
The good news? When treated with surgery and radiation, DCIS has a near-100% survival rate.
When you think that 1 in 8 women will face breast cancer in their lifetime, and around 670,000 women died from it worldwide in 2022, I can honestly say I feel grateful that mine was found early — when I can still do something about it.
My journey is just beginning. I still have more tests ahead, and then surgery and a treatment plan. It’s not easy, but I have options — and for that, I’m thankful.
I wanted to share this because I know many women still haven’t done a mammogram. Some think, “If it doesn’t hurt, if I feel fine, why check?” But please — don’t wait.
If you’re over 40 and haven’t had a mammogram yet, book your appointment today. It might turn out to be nothing — and that’s great, you’ll have peace of mind. But if something is there, catching it early can truly save your life.
Don’t do it for me — do it for yourself. 💗
Love,
Ribana
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