But there is one very important health-related resolution that you need to include on your list: “This year I will be diligent in getting recommended health checkups and cancer screenings. and if anything seems amiss, I’ll have it checked by a physician.”

Now if you’re a young woman in her late teens through age 40, you may think that this is not a necessary resolution, especially the cancer screenings part, because cancer is “an old person’s disease.” But that is not true.

At a recent meeting of Women of Hope, there were women in their 20s and 30s, all of whom are cancer survivors. Their cancers ranged from breast, colon, lung, thyroid, skin and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Cancer can strike women at any age, and with the odds 1-in-3 of a woman getting cancer in her lifetime, you need to be proactive in screening yourself. Getting mammograms and pap smears are important, but many of these tests are not routinely done until age 40 and older.

Don’t rely on tests alone to protect you from cancer. It is just as important to listen to your body and notice anything that’s different, odd, or unexplainable. you need to be aware of what to look for and when to seek help.

Here are a few screening tips. Remember that these symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have cancer, but if they are persistent or bothersome, then you need to be checked by a physician.

Look for one or more of the following: Unexplained weight loss, bloating, breast changes, between-period bleeding or other unusual bleeding, skin changes, difficulty swallowing, blood in the wrong place, gnawing abdominal pain and depression, indigestion, mouth changes, pain, changes in the lymph nodes, fever, fatigue or persistent cough.

Work hard to keep those resolutions of having a healthy weight, eating good foods and getting into that desired dress size.

And don’t forget to get your recommended health checkups and cancer screenings. if symptoms you experience are persistent or bothersome, have them checked by a physician.

Here’s wishing you a happy and healthy 2011.

Joy Wade is executive director of Women of Hope, a local nonprofit organization that supports women with all types of cancer. its office is in Oleander Office Park, 4018-C Oleander Dr. Suite 3. Contact Women of Hope at 799-7178 or Joy Wade, executive director, at 617-0990,or visit womenofhopefightcancer.com.

The StarNews Neighbors section welcomes articles written by nonprofits and others. Articles need to be around 400 words and accompanied by a high-quality photograph. for more information, contact Neighbors Editor Si Cantwell at 343-2364 or si.cantwell@starnewsonline.com.