In 1974, one month after becoming First Lady, Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. At the time, breast cancer was the leading killer of women 40-45 yet less than half were having regular exams. In fact, breast cancer wasn’t even discussed. The media wouldn’t print or say the words breast cancer; it was called “female cancer.”
Betty Ford changed that by publicly sharing her journey with breast cancer with Time Magazine. Doctors report that “almost immediately” after Betty Ford’s interview there was an increase in women scheduling mammograms and conducting self exams. They dubbed this the “Betty Ford blip.”
It was her courage that empowered women to be proactive about their breast health. So the next time you schedule a mammogram, walk for the cure, or pin on a pink ribbon - take a moment to thank Betty Ford.
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