[Alura]

For some time Mrs. Alura got mammograms yearly. Then things got busier at work and she just put it off for a year. She would probably have put it off even more if her doctor's nurse hadn't kept bugging her to get it done.

By the time the quarter-sized lump was found, the cancer cells had entered her lymph system. If she had had the examination on schedule (a year earlier) the cancer would have been much smaller and cells would not have traveled.

Don't think you're safe because you breast fed, eat properly, maintain your weight, and all the other things that supposedly make it less likely to get breast cancer. Mrs. Alura's only "risk factor" was being a bit overweight.

Please ladies, get mammograms early and regularly. Julie, you're smart to start earlier than the recommended age.

Click daily for those women who spend the money that might have paid for a mammogram on food for their kids, and let's keep pushing for a health care insurance system that emphasizes prevention instead of waiting for a person to get sick before beginning treatment.

Mr. Alura