What We Can Learn from Taylor Swift’s Mother’s Cancer Diagnosis

Superstar singer Taylor Swift recently took to her blog to share an important message with her fans: her mother, Andrea Swift, has been diagnosed with cancer. Swift asked her mom to get screened for any health issues, and it was this visit that led to her diagnosis.

“She wanted you to know because your parents may be too busy juggling everything they’ve got going on to go to the doctor,” Taylor said in her blog. “Maybe you reminding them to go get checked for cancer could possibly lead to an early diagnosis and an easier battle.”

Why is Early Detection So Important?
Although Swift is not sharing details about the type of cancer her mother has been diagnosed with, early detection is crucial for every form of this disease. Discovering cancer in the early stages before it has grown or spread to other areas makes it easier to remove or treat. Warning signs can include the following:

• Lumps
• Sores that do not heal
• Abnormal bleeding
• Persistent indigestion
• Chronic hoarseness

If you notice any of these symptoms, taking immediate action can help lead to early diagnosis.

How Can a Routine Screening Help Me?
A screening is a simple test that is performed on otherwise healthy people in order to identify a disease that may not yet be showing symptoms. Currently, screenings are available for breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and endometrial cancer. Speak with your doctor to determine at what age and how often you should plan to be screened depending on your family health history and other risk factors.

Detecting cancer early can mean more treatment options and a better chance of survival. Make sure you know the signs to look for and take control of your health with preventive screenings.

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