Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is a notable month on the calendar not only because of halloween, but because it is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The purpose of dedicating a month to this cause is to create a higher level of awareness for the disease. Breast Cancer charities encourage individuals to donate their free time to supporting organizations and events related to the cause. Personally, this issue hits really close to home for me. My family has a strong history of breast cancer and my grandmother is terminally ill. Regardless of your family history it is absolutely essential that all women are aware of this disease and the methods of detecting it.

Decades ago women simply didn't discuss Breast Cancer. Many women suffered in silence and often only disclosed their disease to the people they had to. My family was no exception to this rule. It was not until my grandmother was diagnosed several years ago that we learned as a family that her mother died young from Breast Cancer. My grandmother had five daughters who were all over forty before they knew they were at risk for developing Breast Cancer. It is not my grandmother's fault that she stayed so tight lipped for so long, that is the generation in which she was raised. However, it is absolutely essential that this generation not repeat that pattern. We must embrace an open dialog with our friends, family and most importantly our daughters. Being aware of Breast Cancer and being knowledgeable is the strongest weapon we have in fighting this disease.

Women have many tools at their disposal that may help lower their risk of developing Breast Cancer. There are many things everyone can do regardless of weather or not they have a genetic risk. Smoking is known to not only cause cancer, but it also increases a persons chance at developing other cancers including Breast Cancer. People who smoke should absolutely do what it takes to quit. Getting adequate exercise and maintaining a healthy weight is also helpful in lowering your Breast Cancer risk. Reduce your exposure to excessive estrogen following guidelines determined by your physician. Limit your intake of alcohol, red meat and if you have children breast feed your babies. Additionally, maintain a healthy diet and avoid living an excessively stressful lifestyle.

Early detection is essential to a successful outcome when diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Women must follow a schedule of monthly self breast examinations. Performing monthly self breast examinations may initially seem confusing or daunting, but after sometime you will know what is normal and what is not. Women should also have annual visits with their Ob/Gyn that include a breast examination. Additionally, once you reach age forty you should schedule an annual mammogram. Recommendations for women with a genetic history of Breast Cancer may be different. In this situation a physician will decide what is best for you based on your specific family history.

The most important thing we can do as women is spread the word. Talk about Breast Cancer and support Breast Cancer charities. Buy pink ribbon products, participate in a walk or race for the cure or just make a donation of time or money. Every contribution small or large is a part of a larger movement and they all make a difference.