We all seem to know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. If you've ever participated in Race for the Cure, you've seen hundreds of people racing in memory of someone they've lost to the disease. It is a horrible thing that affects many women and sometimes even men, too. Remember to always do monthly exams and get mammograms once recommended by your doctor. It is important to remember them, even if you're still young because cases have even been reported in teenagers. Remind family members and those you want to be around for a long time to do them, too. They should be done at the same time every month.
Anybody can get the disease but here are things that increase your risk for breast cancer :
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Family history
- Poor diet and obesity
- Being 55 or older
- Race- white women have the highest risk, then African Americans, then Asians, Hispanics, and Indians.
- Starting menstruation before twelve also has a correlation, but I would think that would also be a link towards obesity, too.
- Not having children before age 30
- Breast feeding slightly lowers the risk, since it decreases the number of periods a woman has.
- Walking 2 hours per week reduces the risk approximately 18%.
Clicks add up to them giving away free mammograms. You may also register and get a free pink ribbon pin to wear in support of those who have previously experienced or currently have breast cancer. They have informational resources as well as pink ribbon gifts and e-cards.
Another great site to support is http://www.komen.org/. They fund things like breast cancer research, prevention, new ways of detection, and new treatments.
Has anybody had to deal with breast cancer either yourself or a loved one? Share your story.
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