February 4, 2010 - A Double-Dog Dare

Today is World Cancer Day. One of the simple facts about cancer, as we all know, is that early diagnosis is tremendously important. Sometimes it can mean the difference between life and death.

Yet even so, there are many people who have noticed something unusual or out of the ordinary about their bodies, but procrastinate on going to the doctor. Of the lump or mole or recurring pain they say, “I’m sure it’s nothing,” then go back to business as usual – until the next time, when they’re just about as likely to repeat the process.

Although I had none of these symptoms, myself, I did have a recurring sense that something wasn’t quite right, and felt led to ask our family doctor to check me for an aneurysm (something my father had experienced, and nearly died from). It was that ultrasound scan that revealed the presence of the large abdominal mass that was later diagnosed as lymphoma.

An email that arrived today from Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong organization suggested I pass along a little reminder that, if you’re going to get checked for cancer, sooner is surely better than later. Here’s the message:

Know your risks. Call your doctor….What are you waiting for?

Learning about your family history and talking to a doctor about your daily habits can give you valuable insight into the steps you need to take, right now. It’s true – talking to your doctor about cancer can be scary, and many of us just forget to bring it up. But your health is important to me and that’s why I’m asking you to start the conversation now.

All of us can take some simple steps, like this one, to fight cancer. For help in taking that first step, go to livestrong .com and DARE TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR.

Want to nudge your friends to call their doctor? Drop the soda? Stop smoking? You can do it here.

So, I dare you. No – I double-dog dare you.