“Don't forget to keep up with your paps and have your boobs touched even though the world is ending!!” says former model and celebrity chef Chrissy Teigen, who delivered an important PSA about why routine checkups are important for many women.
Read MoreWomen’s Decisions To Remove Breast Implants
Teigen announced in June 2020 that she had decided to remove her breast implants after having two children. According to Teigen, she had her breasts implants put in when she was 20 years old due to her modeling career, but after retiring from the industry and raising a family she had them removed.
“A lot of people are understandably curious (and nosey!) so I'll just say it here: I'm getting my boobs out! They've been great to me for many years but I'm just over it," she said. "I'd like to be able to zip a dress in my size, lay on my belly with pure comfort,” Teigen shared on Instagram.
Teigen isn’t the only woman to who has decided to undergo surgery for breast implant removal. Match.com and OkCupid CEO Mandy Ginsberg talked to SurvivorNet about why she decided to step down from her role as CEO after a breast implant recall from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). She had already undergone a preventative mastectomy due to a history of cancer in her family, but following the FDA recall claiming implants might be linked to cancer, she underwent yet another surgery to secure a clean bill of health.
Cancer pre-vivor Mandy Ginsberg explains how health scares made her decide to step down
Why Pap Smears Are Important To Catch Cancer
One of the main reasons why routine pap smears are essential is due to the fact that they can detect signs of cervical cancer early, especially since symptoms often don't show up until the disease is at stage 3 or 4. During a Pap smear, your doctor will collect a sample of cells from your cervix (using a small brush or spatula). The cells are then examined under a microscope for abnormalities, including cancer and changes that could indicate pre-cancer.
Related: 'Controversial' HPV Vaccine Shown to be Highly Effective in Wiping Out Cervical Cancer
Pap smears are especially effective at detecting cervical cancer early, but cervical cancer is unique in that it's usually preventable with the HPV vaccine. Over 70% of cervical cancers are caused by the sexually-transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). Other cancers are also linked to the virus, such as throat cancer, but luckily, the vaccine can help prevent 90% of those cancers from being diagnosed. Typically, the vaccine will be given to children before they are sexually active, seeing as HPV is transmitted through sexual contact.
Ex-NYPD cop and cervical cancer survivor, Patti Murillo Casa, advocates for other women to be tested
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