October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Think of eight of your favorite women. Teachers, daughters, wives, sisters, best friends. Now think that statistically one of them will get breast cancer.

That is shocking and so sad that 1 in 8 women in the United States will be afflicted with breast cancer. Nearly a quarter of a million women will be diagnosed in 2011 and almost 40,000 will die from this terrible disease. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women trailing only lung cancer.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought it prudent to discuss some things every woman can do to reduce the risk.

Lowering your risk

Although there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, you can lower your risk. Women who limit alcohol intake, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight have a lower risk of getting the cancer.

Also, it is paramount to follow early detection guidelines as that is key to combating the disease. There are more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in America and the earlier the cancer is detected, the better the chances are to get well.

Mammograms, Clinical Breast Exams and Breast Self Exams

Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram screening every year. The benefits of a mammogram for early detection are unquestionable and should be done annually even in advanced age as long as the woman doesn’t suffer from congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease, chronic pulmonary disease or moderate to severe dementia.

Women in their 20’s and 30’s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) by a health professional at least every three years. After age 40, a CBE should be done every year.

A good option for women starting in their 20”s is a breast self exam (BSE). Of course, women of all ages should also become competent with BSE. Although BSE is not as reliable as CBE’s or mammograms in finding cancer, it is important for women to be familiar with their breasts and therefore able to report changes to their health professional. Technique for this should be reviewed by your doctor.

Environmental Chemicals

More and more researchers are concerned about environmental chemicals including phthalates, parabens and sulfates and there potential to increase the risk of breast cancers. Many cosmetics, body care and personal care products have large amounts of estrogen-like properties that are thought to contribute to cancers within the body including breast cancer. That is especially true of sunscreens.

At Absolutely Natural we are proud to have all natural products that do not have those chemicals. AN not only works superior to chemical laden formulas, our products are safe, gentle and environmentally friendly as well.

Considering that substances that reach the bloodstream from topical applications can have 10 times the potency than if ingested, it is important to be as concerned with what goes on your body as what you intake with food and drink.

Our products are an important part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Best regards,

Charley