Think Pink & Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

It’s October, so… We Wear Pink To Raise Breast Cancer Awareness!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – an annual campaign to raise breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the second-most common cancer overall. In 2014, an estimated 232,030 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. alone. In other words, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life time.
But there’s some great news – breast cancer is curable. Breast cancer can be treated, and 1 in 3 cancer deaths worldwide can be prevented through education & screening. The first thing you (yes, men as well!) can do to fight breast cancer is raise your awareness. By awareness, we mean prevention & early detection.
Breast Cancer Prevention:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Try avoid being overweight or underweight for optimal health. For more information, you can read: “Is Your Weight Healthy? 4 Ways to Check”
- Stay physically active: Engaging in fitness activities is good for body and soul. Get inspired & motivated with #Runtastic.
- Eat fruits & vegetables: Focus on a balanced diet!
- Do not smoke: Click here, for tips on how to quit smoking without the feared side effect of weight gain.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
Breast Cancer Early Detection:
- Self-exam: Women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once per month.
- Clinical breast-exam: Performed by a healthcare professional who is trained to recognize many different types of abnormalities & warning signs.
- Mammogram: An x-ray that allows a qualified specialist to examine the breast tissue for any suspicious areas. If results are normal, you go back to regular self-exams.
- Biopsy: In case of an abnormal mammogram, a biopsy is done to identify whether the cells are benign (non- cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
- If they are benign, regular screening and mammograms will continue.
In conclusion: BE AWARE & SPREAD AWARENESS! Breast cancer boasts a 5-year survival rate of 98% with early detection – so make sure you and your loved ones keep on top of your breast health!
***