On the heels of this week's mammogram controversy comes new guidelines for cervical cancer screening from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In a nutshell, here's what it says: Women should delay their first Pap test until age 21, and be screened less often than recommended in the past.

Is anyone else concerned that all these new recommendations are suggesting LESS—not more—cancer screening for women?

We weren't the only ones who were upset this week after a government task force announced that most women in their 40s should no longer get routine mammograms; instead, it recommended that regular breast cancer screening start at age 50.

Women (and their doctors) across the country—including here on CafeMom—were confused and uneasy about this dramatic shift in approach to breast cancer detection.

That's why I was so relieved to read despite the new mammogram advice, Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is telling women to "don't change what you do."

A government task force has some new advice regarding breast cancer that flies in the face of the guidelines most women have been instructed to follow by their doctors. Here's the gist of it:

Yet even more unsettling news about smoking...New research suggests that women may be more susceptible than men to the lung-damaging effects of smoking.

In other words, carcinogens and other noxious substances in cigarette smoke might be more dangerous for women (than men).

Yikes! So what's the evidence?

Throughout October I'm showcasing breast cancer survivor stories from CafeMoms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope that these stories not only raise awareness but also provide hope and comfort to women who have been diagnosed or are being treated for the disease.

Today, Ariel91, mom of two, shares with us her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31. I chose to post her story today in recognition of her last scheduled radiation treatment, so as you read this, please be sure to send good thoughts her way!

Throughout October I'm showcasing breast cancer survivor stories from CafeMoms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope that these stories not only raise awareness but also provide hope and comfort to women who have been diagnosed or are being treated for the disease.

Today, Gina.L, mom of three, shares with us her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 26. What doctors thought to be a nursing problem, ended up being Paget's Disease, an extremely rare form of breast cancer.

Throughout October I'm showcasing breast cancer survivor stories from CafeMoms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope that these stories not only raise awareness but also provide hope and comfort to women who have been diagnosed or are being treated for the disease.

Today, Meandmyshadow, mom of three, shares with us her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39.

Breast cancer is an issue that is dear to my heart. That's why for Breast Cancer Awareness Month I'm showcasing breast cancer survivor stories from CafeMoms. I hope that these stories not only raise awareness but also provide hope and comfort to women who have been diagnosed or are being treated for the disease.

Today, Glennax2, mom of two, shares her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35, testing positive for the cancer gene, and doing all she can to make sure her two daughters don't get the disease.

I admit, sometimes I forget to do my monthly breast self-exam. I know it's crucial for early diagnosis of breast cancer, but I can't help thinking that it's not something I have to worry about until I'm in my 40s. But as BettyConfidential points out, young women get breast cancer, too...in fact, probably more than you might think.

Cancer affects us -- that's a huge understatement. September was Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and now October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and one thing is certain -- we all need to be more aware no matter what month it is.

Women aged 40 and over are encouraged to get a mammogram each year -- and there is a new plan in place to help women remember to schedule one. But even if you are under 40, self breast exams are just as important...and easy to forget.