Help Defeat Breast Cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Therefore, I decided to write another post on Breast Cancer. I am sending my love and blessings to everyone around the world. There are so many cancers in the world. It is so frightening when one is diagnosed with cancer. That is why it is important for every woman to help you. Helping yourself means getting mammograms when needed and recommended. Early detection saves lives. We have come a long way learning the signs and getting early detected to help cure this cancer and live a long life.Breast cancer is most treated before it spreads and advances. Simple changes in you life can help. Eating fiber and antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables are important in your daily diet. Maintaining a healthy weight helps. Try to limit your alcohol consumption. Don't smoke or if you do stop. Try to get at least 30 to 45 minutes of daily physical activities. Do regular breast exams in your twenty's and thirty's. Get annual mammograms as recommended by your doctor. Some recommend you starting in your mid 30's. Though it is less common, 1% of breast cancer are seen in men. Family history plays a big part of when women should begin so discuss this with your doctor. Because of your family history, a genetic tendency or certain other factors, you may need additional testing such as an MRI, Talk with your doctor to see what is the best course of action for you. Other things that influence getting breast cancer are: using menopausal hormones. This is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. The FDA recommends using medications at a low dose as possible for a short period of time possible because of this association with breast cancer. Data also shows that women benefit to having children in their 30's or younger. Some studies have shown breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of developing breast cancer. The Komen Organization urges women to watch out for these eight warning signs of breast cancer:1. A lump or hard knot thickening in the breast or under your arm area.2. Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast3. Change in size or shape of your breast4. Dimpling or puckering of the skin.5. Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple.6. Pulling in of the nipple or another part of the breast.7. Nipple discharge that starts suddenly.8. New pain in one spot that does not go away.We have come a long way helping fight breast cancer. There are trials going on to find a vaccine. We are improving ways to assess risk in young girls with family history. There are many groups designing weight loss programs. There are new survivor groups so you can share your story and inspire others. Many other trials are happening today. Evelyn H. Lauder helped establish The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing the world's most promising research to help eradicate breast cancer.In conclusion, maintaining a healthy weight throughout your lifetime is something that you can control. Try to exercise daily. Eat a healthy diet filled with lots of fruits and vegetables. Get regular mammograms. Check your breast by doing your own exam to see if you feel any lumps. Report any changes to your doctor. Hopefully, in our lifetime, we can see a cure for Breast Cancer. Together let's defeat Breast Cancer. To all the women fighting Breast Cancer, remember to take it one step and day at a time. I am sending my love and prayers and I am thinking about all of you as you undergo chemotherapy or radiation etc.I have been on this path of cancer with one of my sons, who is a cancer survivor so I know the pain. If you ever want to reach out to me, you can send me an e-mail at breastfeedingwithlove@hotmail.com. Please take care of yourselves. You are important and your family loves you.Breast Cancer Support Groups National Cancer Institute- 1-800-422-6237MD Anderson Cancer Center- 1-855-302-5821Susan G.Komen 1-855-276-9813Breast Cancer.org