Honor Survivors during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Despite the fact that Americans have observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October for nearly four decades, the statistics remain saddening. While researchers and clinicians have made huge strides in detection and treatment, breast cancer remains the #2 cause of death among American women.

In fact, incidence of breast cancer is increasing, about 0.5% each year.

Obviously, we still have a lot of work to do, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a perfect time to talk about that. Read on to learn how you can help honor survivors, boost awareness, and reduce your own risk this month and all year long.

Breast Cancer by the Numbers

• 13% of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life – that’s about one in 12.
• This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates that 287,850 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. More than 43,000 women will die of the disease this year.
• Risk of death from breast cancer is 40% more likely among African-American women.
• Here in Georgia, 9,170 new cases are projected this year, and 1,410 women are expected to die.

Who Is Most at Risk?

• Women. While this may seem obvious, about 1% of breast cancer diagnoses are in men.
• Seniors. Half of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 62 years of age. Of course, that means half are younger women.
• Family history. If someone in your family has had breast cancer, it’s highly likely that your risk is higher than average.

Get Proactive Against Breast Cancer
Breast cancer impacts all of us in one way or another, and there are things each of us can do to step up the fight against this still-deadly disease.

Get a mammogram!

“RISE up,” urges the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). “When we raise our voices together, we help spread the word about the importance of breast cancer screening and support.”

The NBCF runs the RISE campaign, which stands for Rally In Screening Everyone. The goal is to ensure that everyone has access to the screenings and support that they need. The Centers for Disease Control says mammograms are the best early detection option. While some experts recommend annual mammograms for all women starting at age 40, others recommend every other year for those whose risk is not above average. National Mammogram Day is the third Friday in October.

Understand your personal situation.

Knowing about your family history and whether you possess the genetic markers BRCA and/or BRCA2 (genes that help fight off cancer) can help you work with your doctor to be extra vigilant in monitoring your body.

Regardless of genetics, every woman can – and should – perform regular manual and visual self-inspection of her breasts.

Live healthy
Eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting or avoiding alcohol, and getting regular exercise are all simple choices that promote good health and stronger bodies – the best defense against cancer of any kind.

Donate
>Research and other programs are vastly expensive, so monetary donations to your favorite cancer organization are always valuable. But there are other ways you can help improve the lives of those battling cancer all year long:

• Join a local run or walk to raise awareness and/or funds (or volunteer in some other way)
• Donate clothing to a chemo center
• Donate hair for wigs
• Donate blood or plasma

In-person volunteering is a great way to learn more about breast cancer and make some new friends.

Go pink!
Wearing pink has become a fun and easy (and very visible!) way to promote breast cancer awareness. But why stop at pink clothes? You can attach pink ribbons to almost anything, outfit your dog in a new pink collar, or come up with some creative new way to express yourself in pink.

One of our favorites? Pink pumpkins! After all, it is October, the month when Halloween and pumpkins take center stage. Using that tradition to promote Breast Cancer Awareness seems like an idea even a ghost or ghoul could love.

Survivors Among Us
Here at Magnolia Manor, we have a number of residents and staff who are breast cancer survivors who can help provide emotional support when you need it. You are not alone! If you want to learn more about how we support our residents or get more info about senior living at one of our eight senior living communities, contact us online or give us a call at 855-540-LIFE (5433).