In light of the shocking news of Angelina Jolie’s double mastectomy, a lot of women are probably thinking about getting their mammograms a little earlier this year.

Ms. Jolie recently announced in a New York Times op-ed article that she underwent a preventive double mastectomy after learning that she carries a mutation of the BRCA1 gene, which increases her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Prior to the operation, her doctors estimated that she had an 87 percent risk of developing breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of getting ovarian cancer.  Her mom died of ovarian cancer at the age of 56, so the 37-year-old decided to minimize her risks and proactively undergo the courageous operation of removing both breasts.

I applaud this famous actress for taking such a bold step and thought it was very brave of her, to not only have this procedure, but to share it with the world.  I know a lot of busy moms put off doctor’s appointments due to their hectic schedules, but delaying these important visits will potentially cost you much more in the long run. 

Angelina’s heartfelt confession is causing a lot of women to re-think their own health, myself included.  The words of this famous mother has prompted me to calendar in all of my much-needed doctor’s visits, and it should do the same for you.  Our families need us to be healthy, and setting routine doctor’s appointments and doing regular, self-check, breast exams, in between mammogram visits, are a couple of simple ways to ensure that this happens.

So, for all of you moms who are 40, plus, or at risk for breast cancer, take a cue from Ms. Jolie and schedule a visit with your doctor to get yourself checked out – your life may depend on it.