October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. A reminder that each woman needs to self-examine or take a trip to the doctor for a yearly checkup. “Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer, when caught early before it spreads beyond the breast, is now 98% (compare to 74% in 1982).” These are a few facts about breast cancer from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website.

One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes and one woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes in the U.S. Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths among women.

“Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control. Cancerous tumors in the breast usually grow very slowly so that by the time one is large enough to be felt as a lump, it may have been growing for as long as ten years,” says the Komen for the Cure website.

This is also the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women. In 2008, an estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S.

What is the story behind Susan G. Komen? Very simply put, a promise between two sisters. Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything in her power to spare other women and men the agony of this disease and end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise began. “Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures”.

This foundation has what it takes to help people with breast cancer. Susan G. Komen Foundation helps women of all ages with information and recommendations for breast cancer screening. Women ages 40-49 should have a mammogram every year. In fact, studies done have shown this age group with regular risk factors who had regular mammograms can lower their risk of dying from breast cancer by 15%. Women with higher risk factors should get regular screening tests with an MRI in addition to mammography, this beginning at earlier ages and more often. A woman’s chance of developing breast cancer increases with age. Approximately 95% of all breast cancers occur in women 40 years of age and older. To check if you are in a higher risk category, go to Komen for the Cure website or ask your healthcare professional. Check this website for information for women and men of all ages groups.

Men are at risk for breast cancer too. In 2008, 1,990 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in the U.S. An estimated 40,480 women and 450 men will die from breast cancer in the U.S. during 2008, as well.

Susan G. Komen For The Cure has gathered a lot of helpful information for everyone. Their resource topics include risk factors and prevention, early detection and screening, treatments, cancer therapies, getting good care, after treatment, social support, financing issues and assistance with transportation.

Recommendations:

1.Know your risk

• Talk to your family to learn about your health history
• Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer

2. Get screened

• Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40
• 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 and 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

Comedienne, Ellen DeGeneres is doing her part in National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Check out www.oneaday.com and have Ellen give your friend, sister or someone you love a wake-up call. This service will call someone close to you and a taped message from Ellen will remind them what October is really all about. This cause is really important to Ellen. Her own mother had to have a mastectomy 30 years ago. This experience changed Ellen’s life so she wants to make sure all women get a mammogram every year.

“In the United States today, there are nearly 2.5 million breast cancer survivors — the largest group of cancer survivors in the country.”