Breast Cancer

(Breast Cancer Awareness Month)

Breast Health Isn’t Just a Pink Ribbon: What to Know, Ask, and Do

By Deborah (Deb) Parlett, DNP, FNP-BC

Every October, we see pink ribbons everywhere. We see hashtags, fundraisers, and well-meaning campaigns for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And while I support them wholeheartedly, I want to talk to you as a woman, a mom, a grandmother and a nurse practitioner who’s been on the other side of that pink ribbon.

In May of 2019, during one of my routine self-breast exams, I found a mass in my left breast. I’ve always been diligent about my yearly mammograms because my mother had breast cancer. I knew my risks. I’d even had genetic testing. Still, nothing prepares you for that moment when you feel something that shouldn’t be there.

My diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound confirmed what I feared: I was positive for breast cancer. Stage One. Early. Treatable. But terrifying.

The Wait You Don’t Forget

I had a choice between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy. I opted for a left breast mastectomy with reconstruction. But because it was the height of COVID, I had to wait almost five months for surgery.

Imagine living with a diagnosis like that. Wondering if the cancer is spreading. Waiting. Hoping. Managing the fear, the anxiety, the unknown. Those were some of the longest months of my life.

When surgery day finally arrived, I was relieved more than anything. My procedure was successful. No chemo. No radiation. Today, I’m a six-year survivor. I take Anastrozole daily, see my hematologist every six months, and do my labs like clockwork. This is my reality. This is my story.

My Message to You

I’m sharing all of this because breast health isn’t just a ribbon or a statistic. It’s you. It’s your mom, your sister, your daughter, your best friend.

Here’s what I tell every woman who walks into my office:

🩷  Do your self-breast exams.  You know your body better than anyone. If something feels off, speak up.

🩷  Don’t skip your mammogram.  Even if you’re busy. Even if you’re scared. Screening saves lives.

🩷  Ask about your family history.  If a close relative has had breast cancer, talk to your provider about genetic testing. My daughters did—one tested positive for the gene.

🩷  Lean on your PCP.  We’re here to help with early detection, referrals, and follow-up care. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

I still cringe when women tell me they skip screenings. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Breast cancer caught early is often preventable, treatable, and survivable. I’m living proof.

You’re Not Alone

Breast health can feel scary, but it doesn’t have to be isolating. Make your health a priority. Schedule your mammogram. Do your monthly self-exams. Ask questions. Share your story.

I’m still here, still practicing, still caring for patients because of early detection. That’s my message to every woman reading this: you’re worth the time, the screening, and the care.

If you don’t have a provider, or if it’s been a while since your last exam, our team at Platinum Provider Group is here for you. We’ll guide you, support you, and walk with you every step of the way.

Make an appointment online now.

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Deborah (Deb) Parlett, DNP, FNP-BC

Debbie is a dedicated family nurse practitioner with deep roots in internal and family medicine. Her clinical interests include women’s health, chronic condition management, and holistic wellness. She holds a PhD in Psychology from Walden University and earned both her MSN and BSN from Thomas Jefferson University. Passionate about education, Deborah has also served as a clinical preceptor and nursing professor. In her free time, she enjoys teaching, mentoring, and giving back through community health initiatives.