When I was first introduced to the Thingamaboob two thoughts went through my head: that big bead is scary big and I love this thing – it’s so NOT scary. That’s the thing about the Thingamaboob – it gets a serious message across in a fun, hands-on way (without paralyzing us with fear). Not long ago I found a pea-sized lump that was keeping me up at night until I brought it to my doctor’s attention. While she assured me it was probably nothing, she sent me for an assessment at an Ontario Breast Screening Clinic. After being examined by a breast specialist, I had a mammogram and ultra sound – both relatively quick and painless procedures. Since waiting to hear is the worst part, I was so relieved to get my results that morning: I had an ‘unremarkable’ cyst. I never thought I’d be so pleased to be unremarkable! Long story short: while no one wants to find anything, finding something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s cancerous. And even if it is more serious, it’s better to deal with it right away when it’s most treatable. That’s the message I pass along when I hand out Thingamboobs to all the women I care about. Yes the big bead is scary big – but hopefully a big enough reason to find the time and courage to go for regular mammograms every two years once they’re 50-69. And to pass on the message to every woman they know.