Tell a friend. Save a life.
Across the nation, men and women alike have joined together to raise awareness and important funds as we continue the fight to prevent, detect and find a cure for breast cancer. Most everyone has a friend, mother, sister, colleague or loved one who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The most recent statistics state:
- 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime
- In 2010, it is estimated that 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women within the U.S. (In addition to 54,010 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer).
- Also in 2010, approximately 1,970 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
- Sadly, 39,840 women are expected to die in 2010 from breast cancer in the U.S.
Good News of Progress in the fight against breast cancer.
- Since 1991, breast cancer diagnosis rates have decreased by up to 2% each year in the U.S.
- Today, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
What You Can Do
- Avoid Hormone Replacement Therapy. Reduced usage of HRTs amongst women is believed to be a major contributor in the declining rate of breast cancer.
- Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI of less than 25) throughout your life.
- Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible. The best fruits are cherries, citrus and berries. The best vegetables are broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower (raw or lightly cooked) that are rich in phytochemicals believed to offer protection against breast cancer.
- Exercise regularly throughout your life. Aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate aerobic exercise 5 or more days each week.
- Minimize the consumption of alcohol. Studies have shown that consuming more than one alcoholic beverage per day can increase cancer risk by 20-25%.
- Consume the right fats. Minimize omega 6 in your diet (sunflower, safflower, corn and cottonseed oils) as well as saturated fats and trans-fats. Instead ramp up your intake of omega-3 fats, (oils from salmon, lake trout, tuna, etc). Be sure to consume more monounsaturated oils (canola, olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocados), you’ll find they are great sources for squalene and selenium.
- Consume the right carbs. Minimize high consumption of high-glycemic (white) carb foods. Avoid white rice, white breads, white potatoes and sugar.
- Go soy! Drink and eat plenty of organic, non-GMO soy products including milk, cheese, tofu, edamame and more.
- Enrich your diet with natural supplements containing the proper levels of vitamins, antioxidants and rich in nutrients. Vitamin C, fish oil, selenium and vitamin E are just a few of the many important vitamins, minerals and natural ingredients to help ward off disease and build immunity against a full spectrum of diseases.
- Healthy mind. Healthy body. Keep a healthy balance in your relationships, sleep, rest and your overall mindset. The associations between mind and body in relation to breast cancer are significant.
Importance of Self & Professional Exams
- Remember to conduct self examinations of your breast tissue each month in the shower or as you get dressed. Nearly 70% of all breast cancers are detected early by self examination. For tips on proper self examination, please visit NationalBreastCancer.org.
- According to the AMA and all medical institutions, women in their 40s and older should have mammograms every 1 to 2 years.
- Some women have elevated risks of breast cancer due to personal and family history of breast cancer and genetic mutations. If you are at increased risk, please talk to your doctor about how often and when to get a mammogram.
Get Involved in the Fight Against Breast Cancer Tens of thousands of women and men are counting on our help. Think pink, wear it with pride. There are walks, runs, galas, pink-themed products and an array of fundraising events throughout the month of October and the year. Be sure to get involved as we continue to take important steps in finding a cure for breast cancer.
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