By Janet McGregor
Contributing Writer

Janet Beebe is a “real advocate for self-exam.” Beebe discovered her breast cancer while breast-feeding her third child close to 17 years ago.

She found what she called “a little green-pea-sized lump, solid, like a rock” on her breast. Her doctor told her it was probably a clogged milk gland and to try a heating pad.

It didn't go away.

Even though she was young and there was not a history of cancer in her family, her gut feeling told her to pursue treatment. After a few minor skirmishes with her doctor, she forced the issue and had a mammogram. The mammogram did not show anything. However, she still wasn't comfortable so she called another doctor. He had her come in the same day, understanding that her peace of mind was important, Beebe said.

Ultimately the doctor discovered the knot was cancerous and did a lumpectomy. Beebe's message to others is: “Be your own advocate.”

Similar stories abound.

While there are many excellent surgeons, physicians and specialists, they may be unable, unwilling or unqualified to address all the concerns of every patient. Patients frequently don't tell doctors all of their symptoms or downplay the importance of a physical change. Some will not see a doctor until it is too late to easily control a cancer.

In the fast-changing field of medicine, doctors may not have the luxury — or the same drive as someone in the midst of dealing with cancer — to keep abreast of current treatments options. Also, doctors see patients infrequently and therefore depend on their patients to tell them symptoms and keep them informed of their needs.

John McMenamin, prostrate and melanoma skin cancer survivor, was given a number of treatment options in both of his encounters with cancer. He made the choice to have surgery for his prostate cancer rather than take a chance on drugs. He also chose not to wait two weeks for a second screening as his doctor suggested. He moved ahead, discovered the cancer and took action to have it removed.

Cancer survivors all know of at least one person who opted to postpone treatment or ignored a symptom only to have a more serious battle on their hands. Beebe notes, “Doctors expect you to tell them what is going on and what you need.”

Janet Beebe's husband, Jim, has had his own experience with cancer. He noticed a white “kind of transparent” mark on the side of his nose. He went to see a doctor who told him he could leave it alone if Jim wanted. As a result of his experiences with Janet, and his involvement in the support process, his immediate decision was to have it removed. It was basal cell carcinoma.

Another aspect of being proactive is early detection. McMenamin notes, “Early detection is the key.”

The American Cancer Society's web page states: “The outlook for survival for people with these [breast, colon, rectum, cervix, prostate, testis, oral cavity and skin cancers] is greatly improved by early detection.

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