Christina Applegate, Breast Cancer and Early Detection

Christina Applegate is not having a good summer. Movie and TV star Christina Applegate, 36, was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer, according to her publicist (BBC). Earlier this summer the pretty star of Samantha Who lost her sometimes boyfriend, Lee Grivas to an apparent drug overdose. Christina Applegate, best known for her role as ditzy sexy teen Kelly Bundy, is expected to continue working on her Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated show, Samantha Who. The popular actress is "expected to have a full recovery" according to Christina Applegate's publicist.

Christina Applegate: Early Cancer Detection Key

Christina Applegate's cancer was discovered with an MRI, according to the publicist. Early detection of breast cancer is the best way to combat cancer. All women can benefit from taking steps to detect breast cancer early.

Monthly Self-Exam - We all know that performing a monthly breast self-exam is the easiest way to detect changes in the breasts that are not due to pregnancy. If you need a reminder on how to perform a self-exam on your own breasts, use this guide from Mayo Clinic. The best time to perform the exam is a week after the start of your period, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Breast Exam and Your Annual Exam - Women should also ask for a professional breast exam at their annual well woman exam. A doctor may not always do one if they are not asked, even though it should be part of the annual exam.

Reducing Risks of Breast Cancer

There are some simple steps all women can take to help reduce their risks for breast cancer. Christina Applegate is a regular exerciser, according to an interview with Self Magazine. Christian Applegate says that she performs some kind of exercise each day. Her exercise routine is varied and includes spinning, elliptical training, toning, and running (Self Magazine).

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer. common-sense approaches to health may help reduce risks for breast cancer.

Breast Feeding - Breast feeding has been shown to reduce the risks of developing breast cancer.

Healthy Weight - Maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI) may also help prevent breast cancer.

Active Body - The feel-good cure-all, exercise can also help reduce a woman's risk for breast cancer.

What you don't do could also help reduce the risk of cancer. Not smoking, not baking in the sun unprotected can help reduce the risks of developing this deadly disease, according to the American Cancer Society.

Surviving Breast Cancer in Hollywood

Christina Applegate joins other famous stars in their battles against breast cancer. Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon battled breast cancer, which her mother also had.

Famous stars of the 1970s, including singer Olivia Newton-John and two former Charlie's Angels, Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson also battled and survived breast cancer.

Christina Applegate also joins Edie Falco, Melissa Etheridge and journalist Linda Ellerbee in the battle against breast cancer.

Sources

BBC, "US star Applegate fighting cancer," http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7539449.stm
American Cancer Society, "Can Breast Cancer Be Found Early?"
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/ped_0.asp http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_Can_breast_cancer_be_found_early_5.asp
CNN, "Olivia Newton-John, Jaclyn Smith on surviving breast cancer,"http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/10/18/ep.breast.cancer/index.html
Entertainment News, "Sex And The City Star's Secret Cancer Battle," http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/41747/sex-and-the-city-stars-secret-cancer-battle
Mayo Clinic, "Breast self-exams: One way to detect breast cancer,"http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-self-exam/WO00026
Self Magazine, "Christina finds calm,"
http://www.self.com/magazine/articles/2008/03/0324applegate