K-Boobie Boxes

On July 1, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40. I had already heard thoughts (medical and anecdotal) about my risks: “You’re kinda young for mammograms, we’ll talk about it next year” … “Asian women are so youthful and healthy!”

But it wasn’t until several close friends—all women of color under the age of 50—were diagnosed that I took things more seriously.

It wasn’t info sheets and petitions, but friends who shared their stories and held our community accountable that saved my life.

I learned that women of Asian descent often have dense breast tissue, which hides tumors on mammograms (sometimes even ultrasounds!). I read research showing that women of color should be screened years earlier than white women. I learned that adoptees who don’t know family medical history aren’t offered genetic testing as part of routine medical conversations.

So one night, during dinner with a friend, we made a pact—that we would schedule mammograms with ultrasounds (both part of routine screening in Korea for all women) as soon as possible, and report back.

My mammogram was “regular.” My ultrasound revealed a tumor. A biopsy was done the following week. Two weeks from screening to diagnosis in Seoul.

But in the U.S., imaging covered in a routine check-up, when screening begins, and prompt follow-ups are based on the policies of private insurance companies. You have to 1) Know about these options and research findings, 2) Advocate for yourself with doctors and insurance companies, 3) Possibly wait months for a follow-up appointment. And all of that still depends on having health insurance, access to proper equipment, doctors willing to go to bat for you if insurance denies a claim, and the courage to speak up in uncomfortable (often racist, classist, and xenophobic) environments.

Are you angry? I am, too. There are many ways to channel anger into advocacy: donations, volunteering, contacting your representatives to support bills for no-cost screenings sitting in Congressional purgatory…

I am starting small.

…with boxes full of Korean skincare and stationery as a token of appreciation for folks who pay it forward by taking action.

It’s one thing to say, “Oh wow! Yeah, I should do that,” and another thing to get on the phone, sit on hold, ask for time off work, pay your deductible, arrange transportation, and deal with the anxiety of waiting for results.

It sucks. It’s time consuming. It’s scary.

…but we can do it! Give me some info (form to the right or below), and I’ll reach out for a mailing address. I can’t wait to see how the knowledge spreads! (And everyone’s glass skin).