Listening to the Signals: Why Early Detection Matters for Every Part of Our Health

Every October, as the autumn leaves turn and pink ribbons appear throughout our community, we are reminded of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time dedicated to education, support, and honoring those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

For me, however, this October feels profoundly different.

This past June, I received my own breast cancer diagnosis.

Moving from the role of a healthcare provider to that of a patient overnight is a deeply humbling experience. When you spend your daily life caring for others, encouraging them to prioritize their wellness, it’s easy to assume you’re immune to major health detours. But my diagnosis was a powerful, personal reminder of something I tell my patients every single day: our bodies give us signals, and listening to them early makes all the difference.

The Power of Routine Screenings and Self-Exams

If there is one thing this journey has reinforced for me, it is the life-saving importance of routine screenings and monthly self-exams. It is so easy to push off annual mammograms or routine check-ups—life gets busy, schedules fill up, and we tell ourselves, "I'll handle that next month."

But early detection isn't just a tagline; it is the single most effective tool we have. Catching changes early opens doors to better treatments, clearer answers, and better outcomes. Taking thirty minutes out of a busy week for a routine screening or taking a moment for a self-exam isn't an inconvenience—it is an essential act of self-advocacy and love for yourself and your family.

Translating "Listening" to Overall Health

In my practice at Suono Hearing, I spend my days helping people hear the world around them. But just as importantly, I help people learn to listen to their own bodies.

There is a striking parallel between breast health and hearing health:

• Changes happen gradually: Subtle changes in our bodies—whether a small physical change or high-frequency hearing loss—often go unnoticed until they begin impacting our daily lives.

• Baseline tests provide clarity: Having a baseline screening gives your healthcare providers a reference point so we can detect small shifts before they become major hurdles.

• Proactive care yields the best outcomes: Waiting until a problem becomes overwhelming limits your choices. Taking action early keeps you in control of your health journey.

Whether it’s scheduling your annual mammogram, performing regular self-exams, or getting a baseline hearing evaluation, proactive healthcare is about taking charge of your well-being before a crisis forces your hand.

Moving Forward Together

Navigating a diagnosis is never something we expect, but it reinforces how vital a supportive community really is. I am immensely grateful for the care, guidance, and strength I’ve received along the way, and my commitment to caring for our community's health is stronger than ever.

This October, I invite you to take a moment for yourself:

1. Schedule that appointment you’ve been putting off—whether it's a mammogram, a well-check, or a routine health screening.

2. Perform regular self-exams and get familiar with what is normal for your body.

3. Encourage the people you love to do the same.

Listening to your body is the greatest gift you can give yourself and those who care about you. Here’s to prioritizing our health, supporting one another, and listening closely to what matters most.

With warmth and gratitude,

Shey L. Mayland, MS

Owner & Audiologist