Model On A Mission: Jennifer O’Neill Is Raising Awareness About Breast Cancer (4 pg)

Jennifer O’Neill is an internationally acclaimed model, actress, speaker, and author. For three decades, she was the face and spokesperson for Cover Girl cosmetics and is perhaps best known for her role in the 1971 film Summer of ’42. The mother of three, Jennifer now lives on a farm near Nashville, where she helps veterans and their families enjoy the therapeutic wonder of horses through her charitable program Hope and Healing at Hillenglade. She recently spoke to HealthPoint about her long-standing mission to educate women about breast cancer.

When did you first become aware of breast cancer?

I was in my early 20s, newly married and a new mom when I noticed a lump in my breast. My first reaction was ridiculous: I chose to ignore the lump and hope it would go away. Back then, in the late 1960s, people really didn’t talk about breast cancer or know how to perform a self-exam. As a result, I was living in total ignorance. By the time I finally found the courage to ask for help, the lump was as big as an egg. Because I had waited so long, the surgeons were faced with a serious operation. If the tumor had been malignant, I wouldn’t be here today, but fortunately it was benign.

How did that experience change you?

I realized that my response to the possibility of breast cancer was based on fear and ignorance. So I decided to become a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. I’m proud to say that I participated in making one of the first videos that taught women the importance of a breast self-exam.

Even today, I still carry with me much regret about how frightened my response was. That’s the reason I work to raise awareness about breast cancer. I want to tell women they are not alone and that fear never produces a good result. Ignorance is not bliss.

What’s the most important message you want to share?

That’s easy. Have a mammogram every year once you turn 40. Early detection of breast cancer is critical.

What other advice would you give to women?

Support is so important whenever any of us hits a scary part in ours lives. When my mother had breast cancer about 11 years ago, I was able to be there for her, provide encouragement and share my knowledge. And the more informed you are, the more helpful your support is.

Having a record of your previous mammograms is also very important so doctors can more easily detect any changes in the breast. About eight years ago, I had a mammogram that showed something suspicious. My doctors were able to compare that mammogram with an earlier one and verify that nothing had changed. As a result, they were able to give me a clean bill of health.

Any final thoughts?

I think it’s wonderful what women are doing these days, taking control and getting their arms around their health issues. Information and education is the greatest ally we have.