Walking for a Cure and Early Detection Info for Breast Cancer

October will be over in two weeks. Man, time just seems to fly by. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and over the weekend my mother and I walked against Breast Cancer for the American Cancer Society. We were walking in support of my mother's good friend who is a survivor. It was great to see so many people (of all ages) out there knowing that we are all walking for a cure. Every little bit counts as well as every little dollar makes a difference.

Some helpful information about early detection from the American Cancer Society:

The best defense against breast cancer is to find it early. Mammography is the single most effective method for detecting breast cancer early because it can identify the disease before physical symptoms develop, when the disease is most treatable.

If you are 40 or older, have a mammogram and a clinical breast exam every year for as long as you are in good health. Get a free e-mail mammogram reminder at www.cancer.org/stridesonline.

If you are 20 to 39, have a clinical breast exam as a part of your periodic health exam, preferably at least every three years.

Know how your breasts normally look and feel and report any change to your doctor righ aaway. Breast self-eam is one option.

Women who think they may be at a higher risk for breast cancer due to a personal or family history should talk with their doctors about their risk and about whether they should have additional test such as MRI.

In addition to early detection, making healthy lifestyle choices also plays an important role iin reducing your risk of breast cancer. Be sure to engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healty weight, and limit alcohol intake.