If you haven’t heard by now, it’s International Women’s Day. All day, I’ve seen news alerts and social posts celebrating the power and potential of women worldwide who work for gender equality. And it’s a good year for it.

In the U.S., 2018 is shaping up to be a year to remember, with women at the forefront of social change. Not only are we speaking up in record numbers against various injustices, but more of us are running for office: of the 36 gubernatorial races in 2018, 35 are expected to have a female among the candidates. I mean, wow. The she-giant I’ve spoken of before is awake, aware, and stomping forward with fervor.

But while we’re out there getting it done, I want to remind you to get one more thing done. A thing not all women around the world have access to. A thing every women in America can do, and shouldn’t neglect. For my girls over 40: don’t forget your mammogram. 

Was that what you were expecting me to say? Probably not, But later this month, I turn 40. And I’m celebrating all month long – with small moments, surprises yet to come, and health exams. Mammogram included.

So earlier this week, I headed to my old friend the breast surgeon. In my early and mid-20’s, I was diagnosed with fibrocystic breasts and underwent multiple biopsies and a surgical excision. I even had a mammogram at 32. But after all that checked out, I was mercifully released from regular checkups and hadn’t been back in 8 years.

At my appointment, I felt good. In 8 years, much has changed. I’m a mother, an advocate, a professional writer, a runner for goodness sake. I hadn’t noticed anything new. This was just routine, something I needed to check off on my countdown to 40.

Then the doctor came in and informed me that I had not one, but two new suspicious lumps and one would have to be biopsied. Now I will stop here to tell you two things – one, she is pretty confident it’s the same old thing, and the biopsy will show the lump is benign. But here’s number two – they were too small to feel. 

So, if the one to be biopsied does turn out to be more than benign, I would never have caught it on my own. I’m not sharing this for anything other than to say – you can go out and conquer the world, save the day, kick butt and take names, but if you neglect your health you won’t be doing all the rest for long.

As soon as she said biopsy, I immediately thought about my schedule. What about spring break or the 10k I signed up for. I have meetings and commitments and celebrations all month long. My case isn’t urgent. But what if it was? And I put off a test for a run? Or a meeting? Or I didn’t even know the lump was there because I didn’t take the time have a mammogram in the first place?

So – schedule your mammogram, ladies. Don’t be afraid of what you’ll find. Because knowledge is power. And power leads to change. Like 2018 change.

Here’s to the girls!