THE EDITOR, Sir:

A touching article, by Trudy Simpson in the Sunday Gleaner of October 21, tells the sad story of a lady who is planning to have both breasts removed because 14 members of her family fell to the deadly disease breast cancer. This is breast cancer month. My mother died of breast cancer in this month. I am deeply moved by this family's reality. I am very saddened by what I read and my heart goes out to them. This is a cruel disease which gives little warning and can be very devastating.

I would like to take this medium to ensure that all females do breast examinations to be certain of their status. The pain it brings to family members is hard to bear so please do the right thing by having a mammogram. Males are not spared anymore because it is a lifestyle disease in some respect. If you are a male and you are in a high-risk family you, likewise, should ensure your safety. The trauma it brings can destabilise and dislocate any family.

Many well-to-do persons die on a yearly basis from breast cancer. It actually caused a drop in our productive force. Many man hours are lost and resource persons die year after year from this debilitating illness. To have a routine check up is the only way you can deliver yourself from the fear of this disease.

No one can protect you from this disease only you can protect yourself by having a clinical check up. Remember your pink ribbon during breast cancer month, it shows you care.

I am etc.,

Paris Taylor

Greater Portmore

St. Catherine

bighot43@yahoo.com