THINK PINK!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to mobilize the community to elevate awareness about this terrible disease.

Countless resources exist to help you learn about breast cancer and how to detect it in its early stages. By performing frequent self-checks you can take control of your healthy and body – and bring attention to any changes that may occur. Here is a helpful diagram to know what is normal for you:

While the cause of breast cancer is not fully known, researchers have identified factors that can increase or decrease a person’s chance of getting a breast cancer diagnosis. Since no prevention methods for breast cancer exist, being educated on these risk factors can help save lives. Factors linked to a higher risk of breast cancer include:

• Being a woman
• Age
• A family or personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
• High breast density on a mammogram
• Never having a child

Ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer are: achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting your alcohol consumption and breastfeeding. Women over 40 years old also should receive annual mammograms to stay on top of their health. Staying educated on the basic facts about breast cancer is the first step in prevention or early detection!

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many local companies have teamed up to support the fight against breast cancer with exciting promotions. Learn about these generous companies that are supporting the mission of Susan G. Komen Orange County at http://bit.ly/1Pvq5RT.