National Breast Cancer Month has come to an end, but it's not too late to take action.

September was a busy month for cancer awareness campaigns that focused on ovarian cancer, cancer in children, gynecologic cancer, prostate cancer and leukemia and lymphoma.  October continued this momentum with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

While cancer death rates in the US are falling, according to a presentation from the American Cancer Society on "Cancer Statistics 2009", Americans must continue to be vigilant about seeking early detection, screening, prevention and treatment against the disease.

Breast Cancer in African-American Women

According to the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results, National Cancer Institute, approximately 192,370 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 while 40,170 women will die from the disease.  In fact, breast, lung, and colorectal cancer account for half of the cancers found in US women.  It is the second leading cause of death in African-American women.



While Caucasian women are more likely to get breast cancer, African-American women are more likely to die from the disease.  Experts believe that one of the reasons this occurs is because African-American women get diagnosed with the disease at a later stage in life, stated the Susan G. Komen Foundation website.

Screening Guidelines

For women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, experts recommend the following early detection plan to fight breast cancer.  To learn more about these guidelines including how to do a breast-self exam, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

At age 20, women should do monthly breast-self exams to get familiar with the appearance of their breasts. This involves how they look, feel, or to note any changes that might occur in them (i.e. lump, nipple drainage, red swollen breasts, etc.). Discuss these changes with your doctor.

Ages 20-39, women should schedule a clinical breast exam with their doctor every three years.

Age 40+, women should get mammograms and clinical breast exams annually.

To encourage women to get screened early for breast cancer, US tennis pro Venus Williams, 29, used her star power in a public service announcement to bring awareness to the disease.   



Research shows that most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.  However, some of the risk factors for women at high risk include those who have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 (breast cancer gene mutation) or have a strong personal/family history of breast cancer such as a parent, brother, sister, or child diagnosed with the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, women in this category should get a MRI and a mammogram every year.

In addition to early detection and screening, women can help lower their risk of breast cancer by taking preventative steps now.

10 Preventive Steps to Fight Breast Cancer

1) Do monthly breast-self exam at age 20

2) Get a clinical breast exam from age 20-39 every three years

3) Get a regular health check-up

4) Exercise regularly

5) Change to a low-fat diet

6) Reduce alcohol consumption

7) Quit smoking

8) Know your personal/family history on breast cancer

9) Be your own advocate and talk to your doctor about your concerns and/or recommended treatment plan

10) For low-cost/free screenings, contact your local hospitals, clinics or mobile mammogram units in your area





Breast Cancer Survivors Spread Hope & Courage Under Fire

If the Pink Campaign, Tell-A-Friend Campaign or the abundance of news stories in the media about breast cancer awareness didn't move you to get screened, get a mammogram, or to start preventative steps now, then the episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show featuring Breast Cancer Survivor and Samantha Who? star Christina Applegate will inspire you to take action. This is one episode you don't want to miss.

Another inspiring story belongs to Cathy Bueti, a New York native who survived breast cancer. Bueti's detailed account in Breastless in the City shows how she overcame tragedy and found love again, while being diagnosed with breast cancer.

This encouraging story proves that 'there is life during and after cancer,' Bueti stated in an AOL article online.




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