Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, aside from skin cancer. Contrary to popular belief, it effects both men and women. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that there would be 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States. An estimated 40,170 women were expected to die from the disease in 2009 alone. Though these statistics sound grim, there is hope! Today, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. Studies have shown that the best way to beat this disease is early detection and leading a healthy lifestyle.
"We are now more certain than ever that by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and limiting the amount of alcohol they drink, women can dramatically reduce their risk," says Dr. Martin Wiseman of the American Institute for Cancer Research. "We estimate that almost 40 percent of breast cancer cases in the United States, or about 70,000 cases every year, could be prevented by making these straightforward everyday changes," added Susan Higginbotham also of American Institute for Cancer Research. Many studies have shown a low-fat diet, regular exercise, keeping a lean weight and breastfeeding babies can prevent breast cancer. However, a significant percentage of cases are caused by faulty genes and not linked to lifestyle.
I am doing my part to spread the word about this disease and its prevention! Promoting breast cancer awareness and supporting cancer research are sure-fire ways that we all can do our part in ending this disease.
Stores like Sephora have decided to join in the fight. Sephora is contributing a percentage of their profits of cancer-awareness themed beauty products to various organizations that support cancer research and/ or offer support to cancer patients and survivors.
Together we can make a difference in the fight against this ugly disease. For more information about cancer and helpful tips on how to prevent this disease, please visit American Institute for Cancer Research’s website http://www.aicr.org.