October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most of us know loved ones, friends, family, church members, moms, sisters, and more that have been diagnosed with this disease. In October, there are fund raisers and awareness programs going on to help raise money to find a cure. This Sunday, October 21 in our local area is the Susan G. Komen Race. If you haven't signed up, it's not too late. What a win/ win situation. You pay money to enter the race to be fit and healthy, while the proceeds go to breast cancer research. If you have never been to this before, I urge you to go. If you don't live in the Tri Cities area, you can go to the website here to find when the race is near you. It's heart warming to see the survivor's walking with you and heart breaking to see the names of loved ones who lost the battle with the disease on the shirts with "in memory of". My family of girls has gone every year since the race began in our area. We walk in honor of our family survivor. To sign up for the Kingsport race go here.
Finding a cure, starts with early detection and prevention. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. It is estimated that more than 1.6 million new cases of breast cancer occurred among women worldwide in 2010. For women ages 50 to 69, the life-saving benefits of mammography are clear. All women ages 50 to 69 should have mammograms on a regular basis (Komen recommends every year).
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you:
1. Know your risk
- Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
- Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer
- Ask your doctor 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 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40
See your health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes:
- Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
- Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
- 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
4. Make healthy lifestyle choices
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Add exercise into your routine
- Limit alcohol intake
- Limit postmenopausal hormone use
- Breastfeed, if you can
I hope to see you all there!
