Better safe than sorry Breast cancer is genetic is a phrase I've heard my whole life. You would think that I would have been prepared when I learned that my mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I wasn't. One night I came home after softball practice, went straight to my room, and found that my sister was crying. My sister didn't hold her tongue for that long. She immediately blurted out in tears, “Mommy has breast cancer!” I stood there in shock, not knowing what to say or do. Was he joking? Is this just another one of his twisted tricks? I tried to think of any other explanation but the look on my sister's face said it all. My mother was in the other living room, I had just passed her on the way to my room. I didn't know what to do or say to her. I was immediately devastated and my eyes were already watery. I was the oldest girl in the house, with 5 other younger siblings. I can't go out there and cry, it would panic everyone. The kids aren't fully aware of what's going on yet. That was the night I felt my life change in a matter of seconds. People should be more aware of breast cancer and get regular checkups to avoid coming one step too late. You never know when this disease will strike you or someone important in your family. Most people tend to think it's just genetic, but my mother proved that wrong, as no one in her family has ever had breast cancer. It is well known that breast cancer is genetic. About 5-10% of breast cancers are believed to be hereditary caused by abnormal genes passed from parent to child (Roth 14). But what people usually don't tend to know is that you can get breast cancer whether it runs in your family or not. Breast cancer can also be developed... middle of paper... time in treating it has increased tremendously. Knowing what is available in the medical field these days is really reassuring. There is always a way to help and overcome the obstacle. However, it is always smart to keep your eyes open and be aware of your breasts. Once you really know breast cancer and its ins and outs, you can help your body beat it. My mother had an amazing recovery. I still thank God today. She is now sitting with us at home, alive and well. The recovery process was long and difficult, but she managed to get through it for her 5 children. I consider my mother a very lucky woman with God by her side. Beating stage 3 breast cancer is something to be proud of. However, not all are the same. That's why it's best to be careful and check your breasts monthly. The saying “better safe than sorry” has never been more accurate.