National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is held to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide tools for what we can do to promote early detection and mitigate its spread. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and can affect both men and women. According to recent statistics, 1 in every 8 women will develop some form of invasive breast cancer. With that in mind, Nice Guys Delivery would like to raise awareness and funds for our friends at Zero Breast Cancer.
Through the month of October, we’ll be partnering up with Pure Beauty and donating $1 for every Pure Beauty , American Weed Co, Garden Society, Care by Design and Nice Guys Branded Product sold. Join in the battle against breast cancer!
The National Breast Cancer Foundation provides a myriad of useful information on prevention and treatments.
Early Detection is Crucial
Early detection of symptoms is the most potent tool in the arsenal against breast cancer. Performing monthly self-exams is the simplest and most accessible form of prevention. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) administers the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program which helps uninsured, underserved, and/or low-income individuals gain access to necessary screening services. They can provide mammograms, exams, and Pap tests, in addition to diagnostic testing for abnormal screening outcomes. If you are over the age of 40 you should consult your doctor about mammogram frequency. If you are in need of a low-cost or free screening you can find one near you with this interactive map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Steps To Stay Healthy
While it can be frightening learning that 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, there are risk reduction steps you can take:
Here are five lifestyle choices that, according to Amy Marturana at http://self.com/, can make a significant impact on reducing your risk for breast cancer:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
This one is especially important for adults, according to Cynthia Zahnow, Johns Hopkins professor of oncology. Weight gain, especially after menopause, can increase one’s risk for the disease, while keeping your weight in check has the opposite effect. This can be achieved by eating a healthy diet and engaging in physical activity.
- Get physical.
The more you move, the better. Studies show that the more physical activity you engage in, the greater the risk reduction. 30 to 60 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity exercise daily can significantly decrease your risk for breast cancer.
- Decrease alcohol consumption.
Because alcohol increases estrogen levels, it also increases the risk of breast cancer. Self.com suggests limiting alcohol consumption to one drink or fewer today. This is even more crucial for those with a family history of breast cancer or other big risk factors, according to Zahnow.
- Put down the cigarette.
Though there is some controversy as to what extent smoking affects one’s chances of getting breast cancer, Zahnow suggests quitting the butts to avoid the risk.
- Manage your menopause, minus the hormones.
Combination hormone therapy, which minimizes the symptoms of menopause, can increase breast cancer risk if used for more than three years. Self.com suggests discussing non-hormonal treatments with your doctor or using a low dose of hormonal therapy.
More Resources are Available
For more data and more information on early detection and treatment options, here’s a list of great resources.
- National Breast Cancer Foundation
- Cancer.gov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
- Komen
