Breasts are ogled all the time.

They are admired, talked about, photographed, considered erotic and a constant in male fantasies.

Breasts are an incomparable source of nourishment.

So why does our government as well as medical experts kick them to the curb when our mammory glands are in need of support and care?!

This week the American Cancer Society stated that women should begin mammograms later and have them less frequently than it had long advocated.

They are now recommending women with an average risk of breast cancer start having mammograms  at 45 instead of 40 and continue once a year until 54, then every other year for as long as they are healthy.

Of course, a male physician is the lead on the guidelines.

I say, Bull.

The organization also said it no longer recommended clinical breast exams in which doctors or nurses feel for lumps in women of any age who have had no symptoms of abnormality in the breasts.

The one time we want to be felt up and we are now denied.

This year, 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 40,290 deaths are expected in the United States.

As this declaration was hitting the airwaves and social media, I was meeting with a group of amazingly fierce, empowered and intelligent women who have come together and turned a life changing negative into a positive.

I am talking about the 5 under 40 Foundation which provides comprehensive resources and vital tools necessary for early detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, as well as those diagnosed with the BRCA gene mutation. Their focus is women under age 40 in the New York Metro and New Jersey area.

These women are so tuned into the needs of women fighting breast cancer that they offer necessary and unique services which address the “whole being” as a way to empower women, foster hope and strengthen the survivorship phase. We are talking yoga, make up and nutrition consultations, master wig classes and much more.

My friend, Sandy, introduced me to the group. I met with president and founder, Jennifer Finkelstein…a force to be reckoned with.

She was diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer in 2005 at age 32, six weeks before her scheduled nuptials. Jennifer was inspired to create the concept of peer-to-peer breast cancer support.

The meet and greet was informative, stimulating and emotional.

Kate Ambrosi, Director of Operations for 5 Under 40, has recently completed chemotherapy after having a double mastectomy at age 26. Kate really impressed me with her unflagging spirit.

Other participants included Director of Donor Relations, Andrea Epstein, a dynamic women who is lending her skills to fund raising. Sandy Ackerman, Director of Volunteers, recently joined forces and is pitching in on all fronts.

On January 28th, 5 Under 40 is having their first large scale benefit at Capitale NYC with proceeds reserved for medical, wellness and beauty services for women under age 40 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

5 Under 40‘s very first Real Women In Real Time award is being bestowed on Good Morning America host, Amy Robach who is also a breast cancer survivor.

Women, hear me roar…we need to rise up and push back against these unrealistic breast screening guidelines.

What has changed other than the reality that women in their 20’s and 30’s with no history of breast cancer are being stricken by the Big C?!

Support the Girls. Get screened and check out 5 Under 40, a truly amazing organization anchored by Fierce, Fearless and Fabulous Women.