- Approximately 21,500 Californians will hear the words, “you have breast cancer ”this year alone. An estimated 4,000 will die of the disease.
- Although breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in
California , the chance of survival is excellent when diagnosed early.
In fact, if caught early, an estimated 95 percent of patients will
survive. - Breast cancer is not just a disease impacting women. About 150 men
are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in California and about
30 die of the disease annually. - For reasons that are not completely understood, being well-educated,
financially well-off and delaying childbearing until later in life
are associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer. - For women over 40, getting a regularly-scheduled mammogram is their
best defense against breast cancer.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Basics
- Poor diet, obesity and physical inactivity may be responsible for
one out of every three cancer deaths, just as many as smoking. - A 2003 study in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated
a direct link between obesity and several forms of cancer. The study
proves that poor diet, obesity and lack of exercise are critical pieces
to the cancer puzzle. Unfortunately only 1% of Californians identified
maintaining a healthy weight as a way to decrease cancer risk. - Healthy eating means consuming at least five servings of fruits and
vegetables each day. - Along with healthy eating, regular physical activity is one of the
best ways to prevent chronic disease. The American Cancer Society
recommends moderate physical activity for 30 minutes for adults and
60 minutes for children and teens on five or more days a week - Based on self-reported weight and height, 57 percent of California
adults are considered overweight or obese, while nearly one out of every
three teenagers in the state is considered overweight or obese.
Arm yourself with the facts!
If early detection is key, then staying informed is tantamount!
The following links are great resources to understanding the disease and the many resources and options available.
Do your home work!
- Why Divas For A Cure Supports M.D. Anderson
- The Nellie B. Connally Breast Center
- M. D. Anderson Recognized for Excellence in Cancer Care – The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is ranked again as one of the top cancer hospitals in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals” survey, published in the magazine’s July 10 issue. 07/07/06
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America
- BreastCancer.org
- WebMD
- US Oncology
- American Cancer Society
- Arkansas BreastCare