A PSA

Yesterday afternoon, I turned on the news to find out that Elizabeth Edwards had died of breast cancer. My heart goes out to her family and friends during this difficult time...

I am no expert on breast cancer, only having to deal with it in small doses. Members of my family have had scares, and the only person I can really connect to is a former roommate whose mother died of breast cancer. I can only imagine the heartache of losing someone to this disease.

Which is why I am using my post make sure that women (and men) are informed...

For example, are you aware that in 2006:

• 191,410 women were diagnosed with breast cancer.
• 40,820 women died from breast cancer.

(Source)

or that white women have the highest occurrence of breast cancer, followed by black women and Hispanic women

(Source)

Don't forget about men:
For 2010

• About 1,970 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men
• About 390 men will die from breast cancer

(Source)

From breastcancer.org (click on the links for further explanation):

"Breast self-exam should be part of your monthly health care routine, and you should visit your doctor if you experience breast changes. If you're over 40 or at a high risk for the disease, you should also have an annual mammogram and physical exam by a doctor. The earlier breast cancer is found and diagnosed, the better your chances of beating it."

But, here is some good news. To lower your risk of breast cancer you can:

Stop smoking.

Get more exercise.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Reduce your exposure to estrogen.

Learn about good nutrition and start eating for good health.

Eat your fruits and vegetables!

My hope here is that with this little reminder, you will take care of yourself and remember that breast cancer is a real threat to both men and women. Please keep yourself informed about how to look for symptoms and how to check for it.