As previously announced, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and ONEHOPE is supporting the initiative by aiming to donate 1,000 mammograms to women in need by the end of the month through the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Today, we want to shed some light on breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
The staggering fact that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life is an unfortunate reality. Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for nearly 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed in US women. When breast cancer is detected early, though, the survival rate is 98%. Early detection, then, is the key to reducing the risk of breast cancer diagnosis.
Early detection includes:
- Performing a self-exam each and every month.
- Scheduling a clinical exam every year with a qualified nurse or doctor.
- Creating an early-detection plan to help you be proactive about your health and remind you to perform routine exams.
Other ways to reduce the chances of breast cancer diagnosis are to maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active, eat fruits and vegetables, avoid tobacco, and limit alcohol consumption.
On behalf of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we hope this helps open your eyes to the importance of early detection and reminds you to lead a healthy and active lifestyle!
