Remembering Actress and Cancer Advocate Jill Ireland Who Died of Breast Cancer on this Day in 1990; What You Need to Know About Screening For ThisDisease

Ireland was only 54 years old when she passed. Her husband, actor Charles Bronson, was at her side.

Ireland left behind an incredible legacy of being a strong cancer fighter, as well as her work on TV shows like Shane. Many remember Ireland specifically for her cancer battle.

“She was better known for her highly visible work on behalf of cancer sufferers. In two books and frequent lectures on her battle with the disease, Miss Ireland spoke eloquently about self-respect and optimism in the face of a devastating illness,” the Associated Press reported. “She called herself a survivor, rather than a victim.”

Ireland wrote about fighting breast cancer in her book Life Wish, which became a bestseller. Her advocacy work and its recognition was impressive: She received the Medal of Courage from President Reagan, the Betty Ford Award from the Susan Komen Foundation, and Ireland was also a crusade chairman for the American Cancer Society, reports AP. She even took her plight to Washington where she testified for the inclusion of mammography for women who on Medicare.

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is the screening method used to detect breast cancer; it looks for lumps and early signs of cancer in the breast tissue. Women ages 45 to 54 should get annual mammograms to screen for breast cancer, and women with a history of breast cancer in their family should begin screening even earlier.

Related: When You're Getting a Mammogram, Ask About Dense Breasts

Dr. Connie Lehman, the chief of the Breast Imaging Division at Massachusetts General Hospital, says women who have not gone through menopause should have a mammogram every year.  “We know that cancers grow more rapidly in our younger patients, and having that annual mammogram can be lifesaving,” she says.

“After menopause, it may be perfectly acceptable to reduce that frequency to every two years,” says Dr. Lehman. “But what I’m most concerned about is the women who haven’t been in for a mammogram for two, three, or four years, those women that have never had a mammogram. We all agree regular screening mammography saves lives.”

When Should I Get a Mammogram?

Doing Self-Checks at Home

In addition to annual mammograms, women should perform self-checks at home, too. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, here’s the best method to check your breasts for early signs of cancer:

1. While standing straight in front of a mirror, place your hands on your hips and look at your breasts for any swelling, bulging, changes in shape of breast or nipple (inverted), redness, rashes, or any fluid leaking. Then do the same with your arms in the air.
2. Next, while lying down, use your right hand to examine your left breast and vice versa, while using your first three fingers to apply pressure. Ensure you cover the entire breast area, from your collarbone to below your ribcage and from your armpit to your cleavage area. Do the same self-exam standing or sitting up. Be sure to use light to medium pressure for the middle breast area and firmer pressure when feeling deep breast tissue.

Getting to Know Your Breasts with Self-Exams

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