Even hoop junkies take a quick 20-second timeout for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 6, 2:15 PMGolden State Warriors ExaminerMatt Steinmetz

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Warriors coach Don Nelson has won 1,280 NBA games, so he knows a thing or two about a motivational speech.

But Nelson’s got nothing on his wife Joy when it comes to delivering important messages.

Don Nelson’s just a basketball guy, after all. Joy Nelson’s dealing with bigger issues -- like breast cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and there are few women more experienced on the issue than Joy Nelson.

“The goal is to get everybody to have regular mammograms, clinical breast exams and self-breast exams because early detection is the answer,” Nelson said. “If you ignore the lump or a feeling or the timing of these things based on your age, your outlook is not that good. Early detection is the key.”

Almost seven years ago, Nelson was diagnosed with breast cancer. Doctors saw something they didn’t like during Nelson’s annual mammogram in December 2001, and it turned out to be the real thing.

The good news for Nelson was that she was young (59) and had undergone annual mammograms for the previous 19 years.

Nelson had a lumpectomy and then underwent radiation, and today she’s got a clean bill of health.

Long before Nelson was ever diagnosed -- during her husband's first tenure with the Warriors in the late '80s and early '90s -- she had been involved in this cause. She attended conferences on the subject and organized events through the Warriors.

Earlier this year, Nelson made some PSA's for the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center, which opened in the spring. The center provides women of all incomes comprehensive breast exams.

 “Don’t be afraid,” Nelson said. “Some of my friends were afraid but it can save your life. If I would have ignored it I wouldn’t be alive today. Not everybody’s life can be saved, but a very high percentage can be.”