October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since Robyn's diagnosis just about a month ago this takes on a new meaning for me. Yesterday, Christina Applegate was on Oprah sharing her story and I learned some important facts. So I'm going to share. 1 out of every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. 81% of those diagnosed are alive after 10 years. And here's the one that really hit me 70% of those diagnosed did not have a family history of it. That's huge, I have ignorantly believed that without a family history of breast cancer I'm at low risk. Another interesting fact is that there is a gene linked to breast cancer known as the BRCA gene. Up to 87% of those that have the gene will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and up to 40% with the gene will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Insurance usually doesn't cover the cost of testing for the gene either. So guidelines they gave were to have a yearly mammogram after age 35 and earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer. Also, ask your doctor about a possible MRI if you test positive for the BRCA gene, have dense breasts, have implants, or had radiation to your chest as a teenager. Okay, I know those are the guidelines but most stories I have heard it was found through self examination. The best advice I heard for prevention is low fat diet and exercise. These are a few websites that have helpful, reliable information: http://www.breastcancer.org/ ; http://www.komen.org/ ; http://www.cancer.org/ ; http://www.cancer.gov/ . So those are a few facts but there is alot more information out there, so don't take my word for it.