Sunday 4 March 2012

8 WAYS YOU CAN FIGHT BREAST CANCER


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breast cancer awareness
The National Cancer Institute projects more than 230,000 new cases of breast cancer in women this year alone! While we’re still searching for a cure, there are many opportunities to raise awareness and join the fight during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
1. Assess your risk. Breast cancer research suggests about five to 10 percent of cases are hereditary, passed from mother to child. Make an effort to learn your family health history, and talk to your doctor about your personal risk.
2. Get handsy with your breasts. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, nearly 70 percent of all breast cancers are discovered through self-exams. Get a head start on early cancer detection with this step-by-step self-examination guide.
3. Schedule a screening. Even if you don’t notice any changes in your breasts, such as new lumps, change in size or shape, and/or irregularity of the nipple area (in which case, you should pay a trip to the doctor right away), the Susan G. Komen Foundation recommends having a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at age 20 (switching to every year at age 40).
4. Start maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While doctors can’t pinpoint one specific breast cancer trigger, they have come up with lists of possible “lifestyle-based” precursors, such as poor diet and exercise habits. For a list of cancer-fighting foods, click here.
5. Join the fight. Think power in numbers! Rally up a group of people to participate in a charity walk or run. For a list of events in your area, look to organizations like Susan G. Komen for the CureMaking Strides Against Breast Cancer, and the Avon Foundation for Women: Breast Cancer Crusade.
6. Make the cut. Eight inches and six ponytails. That’s what it takes to make a wig. So with a snip here and a snip there, your shorter ‘do will have a ongoing effect lasting longer than the six weeks before your next trim. It might just be the boost a woman needs as she fights for her life. For more information, check out Pantene Beautiful Lengths, which specializes in having hair made into wigs for women in need.
7. Host a fundraising event. Thanks to social media platforms, raising money for a cause is easier than ever before. Next time you’re on Facebook, add the Pink Ribbon application, which raises money for mammograms. Or bookmark The Breast Cancer Site on your browser – one simple click each day provides a free mammogram to a woman in need. If you’re feeling more creative and more proactive, look into hosting a bake sale or happy hour.
8. Shop for the cure. Perhaps the easiest way to contribute to breast cancer research costs is to think pink while shopping for groceries, clothing, beauty products and more this month. For information on some of the many brands hosting Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns, click here.
How will you fight back this month?

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