Breast Cancer Awareness
October is breast cancer awareness month and both men and women are participating by wearing a breast cancer bracelet, a pink ribbon, or taking part in a breast cancer walk.
The disease is the most common kind of cancer for U.S. women. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer is about one in eight, according to the American Cancer Society. The later the diagnosis, the lower the survival rate.
But thanks to these breast cancer awareness events, research has led to dramatic improvements in breast cancer treatments and prevention. Treatment for breast cancer includes many new protocols. Improved surgical, radiation and chemotherapy have saved many women from this devastating disease.
One new breast cancer treatment targets cancer cells with monoclonal antibodies, while others involve high-dose chemotherapy with adult stem cell transplant or hormone treatments.
Women are also educated to pick up on early signs of breast cancer. Women who maintain certain “breast-healthy” habits can detect symptoms of breast cancer and lower their risk, even if a close relative has had the disease.
Researchers found in a recent study that engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all, was shown to help protect against breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Armed with this information women have a much better chance of living free of breast cancer. Thus, breast cancer awareness is a vital factor in the fight against this disease and should be kept up until breast cancer is eradicated.
