The American Cancer Society continues to push for Breast Cancer awareness, early detection and prevention.
Don't wait for symptoms; fight breast cancer by taking charge of your personal health.
"The American Cancer Society really tries to promote early detection and prevention of breast cancer."
Greta Johnson, Health Promotions Coordinator with the American Cancer Society, says a healthy weight, well-balanced diet and exercise can truly help to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women.
"Women who maintain a health weight, eat a well-balanced diet, and are physically active … can reduce their risk of breast cancer."
Johnson says drinking two or more alcoholic beverages per day can increase your risk of breast cancer by 21%. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 182,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Of those diagnosed, more than 40,000 will die.
"And what that means for Wisconsin … is that more than 3,000 woman are estimated to be diagnosed this year with breast cancer, and more than 700 women will die this year in Wisconsin from breast cancer."
Women 40 or older should get an annual mammogram. Johnson says, on average mammograms can detect about 80%-to-90% of cancer in women with no symptoms. The Society also recommends certain women at high risk ask their doctors about getting an MRI. When caught early, most are treatable, with a good survival rate.
If you're a woman, you have a one in eight chance of having invasive breast cancer some time during your lifetime. The chance you'll die from breast cancer is about one in 35.
NOTE: October is the annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month