I’m no stranger to breast cancer. My mother and aunt both lost their fights with breast cancer … within a month of each other. And, seven months later, at age 39, I myself was diagnosed with breast cancer during my yearly checkup – a routine mammogram.
I had stage 2 breast cancer.
I know how devastating breast cancer is. I know how devastating it can be for families. My experience with breast cancer inspired me to make a difference, first by raising money and participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day in Philadelphia, then becoming involved with the Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure after I moved to the Milwaukee area. I’ve been a co-chair of the Race for the Cure since 2011, and now I’m the new executive director of the Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate.
Mammograms save lives. And that’s why I’m proud to be part of an organization that inspires women to get screened.
This year, the Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Kohl’s Cares are continuing Kohl’s Conversations for the Cure, a successful educational program now in its third year. The program encourages women to get age appropriate breast health screenings, and to open the lines of communication on breast health and talk to each other about the importance of breast self-awareness, with the ultimate goal of increasing survival rates here in southeast Wisconsin. In the last three years, 713 conversations were held and approximately 5,750 women were reached.
Conversations with loved ones should take place throughout the year, not just during October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – because one conversation can save a life. An estimated 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States this year. It’s time to inspire women to take action – by getting their mammograms, finding breast cancer early and beating it.
I’m living proof that mammograms save lives.
Visit www.kohlsconversationsforthecure.org to learn how you can make a difference.
Nikki Panico is executive director of the Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
