October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This is the month each year charities promote awareness, and raise money to fund research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and any additional needs a patient may have during treatment. Did you know that 1 out of 8 women living in the United States will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer this year?
Other than skin cancer, Breast Cancer is the most common among women, which is why it’s so important for women to be aware about the importance of early detection. “When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%.” (1) Its important to do a monthly breast exam on yourself, and schedule regular clinical breast exams, and mammograms. Although there is no way to prevent breast cancer 100%, doing the annual exams, as well as the following six recommendations you can reduce your risk, and increase your chances of more effective treatment.
1. Know your family history- they say even your fathers’
2. Watch your weight and provide proper nutrients for your body
3. Exercise daily - even cleaning your house and mowing the lawn with a push mower
4. Avoid any type of tobacco use
5. Limit your alcohol intake
6. Avoid any hormone replacement therapy
There are many events around the world in October! There are individual 5k walk/runs, there are two day walks, and the well-known Susan Komen 3 day walk. Sports teams wear pink to bring awareness (NFL does this every year), and pink illuminations of buildings. I personally have two family members who have won the battle, but not everyone is that lucky. I knew one young woman who lost the battle too early in life. I think of her, her daughter, and husband often and think of how unfair it is, which is why we need to keep working on a cure. No child should ever have to grow up without their mother. If you have the chance to make a donation or participate in any local event, I strongly encourage you too!
As a family we participated in the Rock the Gazbar 5k this weekend in Leominster,MA. My aunt is celebrating 10 years in remission and this event was something important she wanted to do as a family. This was a local race for a local charity! All proceeds benefit local cancer patients at The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center in Harvard, MA. https://healinggardensupport.org/
Check out the below websites to learn more detailed information about breast cancer:
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