Taylor's Letter Serves An Important Reminder

Taylor Swift has some heartbreaking news. Her mother, Andrea, is in the midst of a serious health battle, and Swift shared a personal letter to fans on her Tumblr page to fill them in on what was happening. Sadly, Taylor Swift's mom has been diagnosed with cancer. The singer explained why she was sharing the news publicly as such,

[My mother] wanted you to know because your parents may be too busy juggling everything they’ve got going on to go to the doctor, and maybe you reminding them to go get checked for cancer could possibly lead to an early diagnosis and an easier battle... Or peace of mind in knowing that they’re healthy and there’s nothing to worry about.

The news is, of course, completely devastating. Anyone who has had family members or close friends suffer from cancer (myself included) knows how difficult and trying it is to see someone quite literally fight for their life. There is no question that the months ahead will be difficult ones for Swift and her family. She must realize the impact that her news will have anyone else who has grappled with a family member facing health woes, as well as the importance of sharing her message about getting checked with her fans. Swift can reach such a wide audience, that giving a reminder about getting checked, and making sure your parents get checked, could save lives.

It's important that Swift used the word "busy" to describe many parents out there who have not been screened for cancer and other serious health issues. After all, when you are responsible for other human beings, it is easy to put your own priorities of health and wellness on the back burner. But as Swift points out, taking a moment out of a hectic schedule to get screened could potentially prevent a lot more serious issues in the long run. The National Cancer Institute also supports this, saying that early detection is important, since cancer is much easier to treat in the beginning stages.

Personally, from those I know and love who have unfortunately suffered from cancer, those who got screened earlier always had a much easier time bouncing back than those who waited to get checked. Some who I know and love have actually avoided developing cancer altogether by going in for regular checkups and getting anything that could be potentially precancerous removed. As a relative once told me, "It can't hurt you when it's in a jar."

And if it turns out that a parent is completely healthy after getting screened, all the better. Then, as Swift pointed out, they won't have the possibility gnawing at them in the back of their minds. Either way, getting checked is an important thing to do, not only for yourself, but also for those around you that care about you and want you to be at your best. Everyone owes that much to themselves and others.

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