'A mammogram is the gift I give myself'

Every year, around my birthday, I give myself a gift. It doesn’t come wrapped in pretty paper; there is no ribbon to untie, and it’s certainly not something I can put on a shelf. It may not be the most exciting birthday tradition, but it has become one of the most meaningful. It’s a promise to myself to take care of my health, no matter how busy life gets. That promise became even more important after my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2024, at age 75.

I remember that period vividly. My mother was preparing to travel but had been unusually tired and wasn’t herself. I encouraged her to get a thorough medical check-up before leaving.

She hesitated when another mammogram was suggested, having had one just six months earlier. Surely, she wondered, she couldn’t need another so soon?

Thankfully, she followed through. The mammogram revealed a small lump that turned out to be early-stage breast cancer. She underwent a difficult journey, including a double mastectomy, but received treatment, recovered, and is now a breast cancer survivor.

I often wonder what might have happened had she ignored how she felt or assumed her recent screening meant there was nothing to worry about. Her experience taught me that we cannot afford to become so comfortable with our routines that we stop listening to our bodies. When something doesn’t feel right, we owe it to ourselves to ask questions, seek medical advice and follow through.

And yet, I know how easy it is to put ourselves last.

I am a mother of two, a wife, a daughter, a friend and a business leader. Like many women, I wear several hats, often all in the same day. Between the people I love, my responsibilities and the commitments demanding my time, some days there simply aren’t enough hours to get everything done. And in the middle of it all, isn’t our own appointment often the easiest to postpone?

We tell ourselves we’ll do it next month, when work settles down, the children return to school, or things at home become less hectic. But when is life ever really not busy?

I’ve realised that if I wait for the perfect moment to prioritise my health, that moment may never come. So I make the appointment, put it on my calendar and treat it like any other commitment. My birthday is my personal reminder, but we shouldn’t need a special occasion to take care of ourselves.

I want to watch my children grow, discover their passions and pursue their dreams. I want more time with my mother, my husband, my friends and the people who make life meaningful. I also have dreams to fulfil, goals to achieve, and contributions to make.

I think we women sometimes forget that our lives matter beyond the roles we play for others. We have our own hopes, dreams and futures worth protecting.

Through my work leading Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company, I also see how serious illness affects families. Behind every claim is a person, a family, and, often, plans that have been suddenly interrupted.

What has particularly stayed with me over the years is seeing breast cancer diagnoses among younger women, including those under 40. It is a sobering reminder that serious illness does not always affect only those we might expect. My mother’s diagnosis, along with these experiences, has challenged my assumptions about age and health.

I am not suggesting every woman should follow my screening schedule. Our circumstances, family histories and individual risks differ, which is why consulting a qualified healthcare professional is important.

For me, an annual mammogram is a decision informed by medical guidance and my family’s experience. Others may need a different screening schedule. What matters is understanding your risks, knowing what is recommended for you and not ignoring changes in your body.

Looking after ourselves also goes beyond a single appointment. It means making everyday choices that support our well-being, paying attention to our health, and acting when something doesn’t seem right.

Taking time for ourselves is not selfish. It doesn’t mean we love our families any less or neglect our responsibilities. I believe it is one way we show how much we value our lives and the people with whom we share them. It also sets an example for our children. I want mine to understand that caring for their health is a priority throughout their lives.

Even when we do everything we can to look after ourselves, good health is never guaranteed. My annual mammogram does not mean I will never develop breast cancer or guarantee a particular outcome. It is simply one intentional choice I make to give myself every reasonable opportunity to live fully, be present and enjoy the people and experiences that matter to me.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, I hope my story encourages someone to have a conversation they’ve been putting off, make an overdue appointment or check in on someone they love.

Debra Lopez-Spence is the president of Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company Limited. Email feedback to lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.