October 2010

Pink, it’s the color of hope, strength and solidarity for a cause. Each October the proliferation of pink products draws our attention to the need for more research and better detection methods to help fight a disease that takes the life of nearly 40,000 women annually. Over the past 25 years there has been an increase in awareness but sadly we still don’t know exactly what causes breast cancer. We do know that all women are at risk for breast cancer. In fact, most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors other than being a woman and getting older. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Hispanic women in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer death among white, black, Asian and Native American women.

It is easy to see why monthly breast self exams are a MUST for women of any age or ethnicity. Know what your normal feels like and see a physician as soon as possible if you feel a lump or notice any changes in your breast. It is also very important to have a clinical breast exam as part of your annual physical and a mammogram/ultrasound as suggested by your physician. Don’t let the fear of breast cancer keep you from taking charge of your health. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer will go on to live a full life without reoccurrence. Early detection significantly increases the chances of survival and is the key to the best outcome.

Last year, 192,370 women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer -- I was one of them. I was incredibly lucky that my doctor ordered the breast ultrasound that detected a teeny, tiny tumor before cancer cells had the chance to spread all over my body. Ten months after diagnosis my scars are beautiful proof that I did all I could to insure my long-term survival. I feel great! My breasts have never looked better and I have early detection to thank for my good health.

I strongly encourage you to have a plan regarding your breast health. The National Breast Cancer Organization has developed the Early Detection Plan – an interactive tool to help remind you to take charge of your breast health. Just go to: www.earlydetectionplan.org for all the details. While on the site you can also use the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool to calculate your personalized, potential risk of developing breast cancer based on your answers to seven questions.

Make the time to be good to you. Reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, incorporating exercise/activity into your daily routine and limiting alcohol intake. You have one body . . . one life. It is your most important responsibility to take care of it. Give yourself every opportunity to grow old gracefully.

Good Health!

Terry

“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.”
~Christopher Reeve