Reach for Recovery SKB Breast Cancer Support Group Shadwell Housing Site Basseterre, St. Kitts. Tel 869 669 8595
BASSETERRS St. Kitts, October 31st, 2013 -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month internationally, and the pink ribbon activities were evident in and around the Federation. From fundraisers and campaigns to the articles of pink clothing, there’s been a lot of talk about awareness. Amidst all of this pink, it is easy to forget the true purpose of these campaigns: to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
While awareness has been making a huge impact, unfortunately, almost everyone can say they know or are close someone who has been affected by breast cancer. Research from the U.S National Cancer Institute has found that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. With numbers like these, the likelihood of a women developing breast cancer demonstrates the need for us to commit to action that will lower our risk and prevent
The focus needs to start shifting from awareness to action for prevention. Inherited risk for breast cancer no longer means that cancer is inevitable. A family history of cancer or a positive test result can give you valuable and useful information. Today October 31, let us all pledge to actively take care of our health and lower our lifetime chances of developing breast cancer.
Healthy and preventative habits need to start early, and here are some easy suggestions to help you lead a healthier lifestyle beyond October and reduce your breast cancer risk:
1. Reduce your risk. Some risk factors such as heredity and age—are beyond your control. Others involve "lifestyle choices," such as eating the right foods in the right amounts, not smoking, and limiting your alcohol consumption, and are within your reach. Women who exercise regularly and lower their body fat can lower their risk of breast cancer.
2. Take proactive steps. The earliest detection is always the best. Working with your district health doctor and nurse or an Obstetric-Gynaecologist (OB-GYN), you can monitor for early signs of cancer. Some of the important steps to take include:
-monthly breast self-exams beginning between the ages of 18 to 21 and annual or semi-annual clinical breast exams, beginning between the ages of 25 to 35.
- yearly mammography beginning between the ages of 35-40 (or starting earlier, based on family history).
3. Make informed choices. Know your breasts. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in young women. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of breast self-exams. If you choose to do breast self exams, your health care provider can review how to do them with you. If you know how your breasts “should” feel, you’ll know when there’s a significant change that means you should call your doctor.
4. Prevent or detect changes that may be an indication of cancer at an early, treatable stage. If you think you feel “something,” and family or doctors dismiss your concerns, research your options. Learn about things like biopsy, cancer stage and grade, and what they mean to your treatment options.
On October 31, we want to encourage everyone to commit to lifestyle choices for breast health. Some corporate entities will get you started by offering healthy alternatives to the general public:-
- Subway is offering special prices on salads
- Lifestyle Fitness Centre at Bird Rock is offering a special signing up and membership drive.
We at the Reach for Recovery Breast cancer group commend all other groups in the Federation for your efforts in breast cancer awareness. The prospect is that the years of hard work, raising awareness and education will pay off. The overall breast cancer death rate in women can decrease. This is possible only when healthy lifestyle, early detection, and regular mammograms are a regular part of every woman's life.
Thank you and may God bless us all.
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