One of the complaints of modern life is we get so busy, we neglect to take care of our health. In the end we pay the price when we fall sick.

Don’t Duck It is a campaign intended to remind women not to duck their medical appointments. Medical tests such as PAP smears and mammograms are yearly events where you have an entire year to get it done. What causes us to procrastinate on them?

Missing these dates can be quite harmful to your life. We’re aware of the statement that early detection saves lives, but just how many can it save? According to this site:

• Currently, 61% of breast cancers are diagnosed at a localized stage, for which the five-year survival rate is 98%
• The relative five-year survival is 90% for colorectal cancer patients diagnosed at an early, localized stage; however, only 40% of cases are diagnosed at this stage
• Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates have decreased 67% over the past three decades, with most of the reduction attributed to early detection
• About 20% of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage. When ovarian cancer is found early at a localized stage, about 94% of patients live longer than 5 years after diagnosis

This means early detection can, and will save lives, as the cancer is localised. It hasn’t spread yet, so it’s easy to focus on treating just one part of the body to kill the cancer.

Early detection can save lives, and so can you! Join the Don’t Duck It campaign and if you’re in PJ on 21 October 2011, come over to Jaya One for a day of fun, health screening and have a splashing healthy day! Details with.

This entry has been written in support of Makna for PinkOcto. Please donate!