October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we want you to be informed. Here are some breast cancer facts you should know:

• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.
• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Breast cancer kills approximately one woman every 13 minutes.
• 25% of women with breast cancer are younger than 50 years old.
• Men can also get breast cancer.
• There are more than 3 million breast cancer survivors in the US.
• Breast Cancer death rates down 34% since 1990
• The federal government now devotes more than $850 million each year to breast cancer research.

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister Susan G. Komen that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. So, in 1982 Susan G. Komen for the Cure® was lunched and the movement began! It is important for you to be knowledgeable and spread your knowledge so that it can save lives. Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® recommends that you and others should:

Know Your Risk

• Talk to your family to learn about your family health history; Talk to your health care provider about your personal risk of breast cancer.
• Do a monthly breast self-exam

Get Screened

• Ask your health care provider which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk.
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk.
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40.

Know what is normal for you and see your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that doesn't go away
• Make healthy lifestyle choices
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Add exercise into your routine
• Limit alcohol intake

So be informed and do what you can to help yourself and others in the fight against breast cancer. If you have questions or concerns about breast cancer speak to your health care provider or locate the local Planned Parenthood health center. You can also go to www.cancer.org, www.healthywomen.org and last but not least ww5.komen.org to get more information on breast cancer. 

Breast Cancer is important to Starshell and Birthday Girl and it should be important to you also! Get involved in the movement and make a difference.
  

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

---

Also in Birthday Ideas and Gifts For Her Blog