Raising Awareness for Breast Cancer

OK men.  Just because today's topic is about breast cancer, it's not just geared towards women.  Did you know, according to the U.S. Breast Cancer statistics:

• About 1 in 8 U.S. women (just under 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
• In 2011, an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 57,650 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.
• About 2,140 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in men in 2011. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000.

In other words, just because you are male doesn't mean your risk for developing breast cancer is void.  Therefore today's blog is just about raising awareness. 

With October in full swing, you probably have heard this month is "Breast Cancer Awareness" month.  Instead of haunting you with the gloom and doom of death statistics, our focus today is to just open your mind a little more.  Did you know that in 2011, there were more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States?   That means with early detection and early treatment, this doesn't have to be a deadly disease.  For a little background on risk factors for developing breast cancer, refer back to our blog from 2011.

Everyone should be aware of the risks...even if you DON'T have a family history of breast cancer.  Sure your risk may be lower if no one in your family has had or has breast cancer but almost 85% of all breast cancer diagnoses are in women with no family history!!  This is due to genetic mutations that occur through the aging process and through other lifestyle factors.  All the more reason to lead a healthy lifestyle!!

I'm sure most of us know at least one person who is battling (or has battled) breast cancer.  A co-worker, a friend, a family member.  Maybe you participated in a "Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure" event; maybe you saw a celebrity who publicized his or her battle with breast cancer; maybe you saw someone in the grocery store with little to no hair from chemotherapy wearing a little pink ribbon.  It's all around us and it's time to take notice.  Do your part to stay healthy and live a clean lifestyle.  Be sure to know your risks for all diseases based on your family history, your gender, your age, and your lifestyle.  Get regular medical check-ups to catch problems early.  Most of all be aware, be brave, and be healthy!!

Heart Health

Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's No. 1 killer.  Are you at risk for developing heart disease?  Do you know what the controllable lifestyle factors are?  Check it out:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• Physical inactivity

Here are some facts from the American Heart Association:

• 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
• On average, 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of one death every 39 seconds.
• More women die of heart disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.
• More than 82 million American adults are estimated to have one or more types of cardiovascular disease.  That's one in three people!
• Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women 20 or older, killing about one woman every minute.

Where do you stand?  Are you getting enough physical activity each day?  If not, why not start today.  Try adding 10 or 15 minutes of moderate-intensity activity to your daily routine.  You don't have to come to the gym...try walking up and down your stairs at home; take the dog for a walk; dust off your bicycle and go for a bike ride with a loved one.  There are many ways to get your day active.  Think back to how our grandparents and great-grandparents lived.  No modern technology around to do everything for them.  Get off the couch, put down the remote and get active!  Your heart will thank you and so will your family.  Do it for yourself...do it for those who care about you.