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I don’t know how many of you out there watch Showtime’s the L Word, but I know that if you do, then you know about Dana’s struggle and subsequent death from breast cancer this season. Honestly, I usually don’t get too into shows, but with this one, I have to say, much like Queer as Folk, I do find that I relate more to the characters because they are gay, and as such, I have more of a connection with each of them than I would on a regular show. That being said, when Dana was diagnosed with breast cancer, my worst fear was that she would end up dieing; mostly because she was my favorite character, but also, because she was so likeable and, well, normal. Additionally, she was healthy, an athlete at the top of her game. She was a part of an awesome group of friends. She was out to her family, and last season, she even came out nationally as a lesbian tennis player. She was your typical woman (with the exception of being a tennis superstar), and just like so many women out there, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and unfortunately, died. But after giving it a lot of thought (I know, right?), I am honestly at peace with the fact that they killed off my favorite character; mainly because I think the purpose was much greater, and the message was much stronger.

Now, I know you may think, “duane, why are you concerned about breast cancer, and what made you give this so much thought?”, and you may be on to something, but honestly, everyone should be concerned about breast cancer. How many women do you have in your life? How many of them are close to you? I know that I have a lot in my life, and honestly, the thought of them missing a diagnosis of breast cancer at a time when it could be caught early enough to effectively treat and send into remission, scares me. There was an episode where Laura, Dana’s partner, noticed a lump in Dana’s breast, and brought it to Dana’s attention. Dana’s response was, “oh that, it’s always been there”. By overlooking a potentially benign lump in her breast, Dana may have inadvertently overlooked the most important thing in her life; a chance to survive.

Now, I am not trying to be dramatic, it actually happens like this for tons of women; and it is scary. That is why, today, right here, right now, I am begging every woman who reads this, thinks about this, or has friends she can tell about this, to go get a mammogram. Get one regularly. If you are not old enough, or are not in the window of susceptibility, make sure you get them regularly when you are. I know that I have talked with my mom about doing this, and I honestly don’t think she takes it too seriously, but if you are reading this mom, go get a mammogram. Tell everyone you know to regularly get checked, and do self breast exams. Likewise, men, make sure to have your prostate checked, and monitor your testicles. These types of cancers are very preventable if they are found early enough, and I don’t want anyone to suffer through what Dana did. This character story arc is a powerful reminder that we must all pay close attention to our bodies, and only we can take the steps in protecting it. It doesn’t matter how healthy you are, these things effect you, and please, just make sure you are keeping an eye on it.

Thanks for listening!!!! I know that this is kind of a downer post, but sometimes, we have to look at things like this… you never know where the reminder will come from.

Here are some resources for breast cancer statistics, information on testicular cancer, and information on prostate cancer.