Phoenix, AZ – Facebook, the popular social networking website has decided to allow breast cancer survivor, Sharon Adams, to place photographs of her mastectomy scars. Initially,  the website banned the photographs, but later apologized and allowed her to post the photos (Source:theoriginalgreenwichdiva.com).

“It was like the breath had been sucked out of me.  I had this really horrible feeling inside,” said Adams, after being diagnosed with breast cancer in January. but once those feelings subsided, the mother of four decided to bring awareness to the horrible disease.

She was diagnosed at the age of 45, has 4 children, and said “All I want to do is raise awareness of breast cancer”. She placed pictures on Facebook, along with details of her fight against breast cancer and encouragement for other women to go and get regular check-ups. Less than one month after the diagnosis, doctors removed her right breast.  “I don’t miss my breast.  I wanted to live,” she said.

Breast cancer can affect 1 in 9 American women. I admire this lady for being so courageous and sharing such a personal part of her life. I think it is important to realize just how disfiguring mastectomy surgery can be, yet at the same time, to realize that this is a life-saving and important operation for breast cancer patients. I encourage women to check their breasts regularly and not to be embarrassed about doing this critically important activity throughout their lives.