It's not the cheeriest topic you'll ever discuss, but it could be one of the most important ones.

Tonight at the St. Louis Science Center experts will be on hand to talk about who is at a higher risk for breast cancer, how to assess those risks, and how to manage them.

This is all part of the "Science Cafe" discussion series at the center. Tickets are usually $20 for these, but this one is free to anyone who shows up.

Staying on top of this stuff can make everyone's life much easier and happier. Last year my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, but they caught it incredibly early with a routine mammogram. It's not to say it was all fun and games. She had to go through weeks of radiation and a surgery. But she didn't have to endure chemo-therapy, and, most notably, she's alive and healthy today. Those blessings are all a result of early detection.

I'll stop preaching. If you think you or a loved one might be at risk, check this out tonight. It starts at 6:30 and reservations are required. The particulars are here.