October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
You may be asking yourself;
Who Gets Breast Cancer?
What are the estimated numbers of new breast cancer cases and deaths in the United States for the year 2010?
About 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer will occur among women in the United States during 2010. And an estimated 39,840 women will die from breast cancer this year. Also, about 1,970 men will be diagnosed and 390 men will die of breast cancer during 2010 in the United States. In addition to invasive breast cancer, an estimated 54,010 new cases of in situ breast cancer will occur among women in 2010.
Breast Self-Awareness
Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. Screening tests can find cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
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
2. Get screened
• 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 20, and every year starting at 40
3. Know what is normal for you
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
4. Make healthy lifestyle choices
* Maintain a healthy weight
* Add exercise into your routine
* Limit alcohol intake
Information provided by: Body by BJ
source: http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastSelfAwareness.html
In most major cities the Race for The Cure will be going on through out the the year. The Austin Race for the Cure will be November 7th at the Domain. You can participate by walking, sleep in for the cure, or just donating. Checkout http://www.komenaustin.org/ to participate in one way or another. Together we can find a cure!!
