Lt. Col. Moran Almog felt that she had a lump in her breast, but ignored it. • Only after three weeks did she discover that she had cancer • After recovering, she became involved in the awareness of the disease.
Lt. Col. Moran Almog
Photography:
IDF spokesperson
"During one of the discussions, I felt that the bra was bothering me and I discovered a lump in my right breast, which did not hurt. Therefore, I did not go for a check-up immediately, I thought it might be an inflammation or a lump of fat and it would go away," says Lt. Col. Where she felt what would turn out after a few weeks as breast cancer.
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the IDF is also increasing awareness of the disease among female soldiers, since early detection of breast cancer means saving lives, and the one who joined the all-important goal is Almog, who herself survived the serious illness.
Almog, a mother of two from Ness Ziona, was released about a year ago from her position as the logistics officer of the "Gaash" division (Division 36), the first female appointment to such a position.
Despite her release, she has refused to give up her job for the past five years, since recovering - and a lecturer across the country, including IDF bases, is telling her personal story to increase awareness of the disease.
In an interview with Israel Today, she tells how she discovered that she had contracted violent breast cancer during Operation Eitan, about the difficult surgeries and treatments she underwent and how she did not give up her military role.
"The head was inside the job and although as a permanent wife I also received a summons for a periodic examination by the IDF at that time and I did not attach importance to it for about three weeks," says Almog.
"It was only when I was urged to go for periodic checkups that I told myself here was the opportunity for me to ask the doctor for a lump treatment I felt in the breast."
As part of the tests, the doctor referred her for a mammogram and ultrasound, and when the results returned, she learned the bad news that it was a cancer that was already seeping into the lymph nodes.
"The doctor explained that if I had waited a little longer the cancer would have spread to all the lymph nodes and I would not be alive today."
The stunned Coral had a hard time accepting the diagnosis.
"I left the doctor at Kaplan Hospital in Rehovot and returned to base. I continued that day to conduct the discussions until the evening and only when I returned home did I start to prepare. In my head I had already instructed myself that I was going to war and in this war I am going to win and not lose."
The war was difficult from the first moment.
It turned out to be a familial mutation-type cancer with a genetic predisposition and so Almog had to undergo two difficult resection surgeries, including removing the lesions that reached as far as the lymph nodes.
In addition, she underwent radiation treatments.
"I maintained a work routine. I did not want to sink into the disease and black bile, but to wage the war for recovery alongside the continuation of life. Routine was what saved me. During the recovery period from surgery or recovery from treatment, military personnel would come to me and continue working even when I was in hospital or home." Says Almog.
Later, after a series of tests, she was clarified because she has a family history and a genetic predisposition. She will also have to have her ovaries removed and take pills for ten years, in order to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Today, Almog is five years after her recovery and tells.
"My life was definitely saved. After recovering when I returned to the army I decided that since there was a lack of awareness of the issue, I must do something about it. If I had been told more about it during the service, I would have been tested earlier and could have been spared a lot of suffering."
For the past five years, she has been lecturing at bases and around the country, and has taken part in the "One in Nine" organization, which raises awareness of the disease and helps patients who are recovering.
"I support women recovering from cancer, I also tell my story to explain to women who discover the disease that the sky does not fall even with the hard knowledge and mental coping. It is important to remain optimistic and fight for life. I emphasize in every lecture the importance of alertness to changes in the breast. If in doubt "There is no doubt that one should go and be tested immediately, because early detection saves lives."
The IDF notes that, as every year and on the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this year the Medical Corps also holds intensive days for surgeon examinations for IDF servicemen, and in addition the examinations take place throughout the year in all IDF regional clinics throughout the country.
According to the head of the medical services branch in the medical corps, Lt. Col. Dr. Liron Gershovitz, awareness of breast cancer has risen among IDF female soldiers in recent years. "This is a common disease among women and I think we are able to provide a good answer regarding tests.
Early detection of breast cancer means saving lives, and since the chance of recovery has increased significantly, we encourage IDF maids to go and get tested. The service is available to all female soldiers all year round and you can always make an appointment. We call on all women to find time and go To be tested. "
