by Linda Castillo
You will start to see the pink ribbons and special fundraisers during the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month is a great way to increase awareness of breast cancer and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. And more importantly, October is a time to provide support to those affected by breast cancer, remember and honor loved ones who have passed away from breast cancer and understand what you can do to reduce your risk for this horrible disease.
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Within the Latino community, studies show Hispanic Americans tend not to get screened for common cancers, such as breast cancer, as regularly as non-Hispanic whites. And Hispanic women are 20 percent more likely to die from breast cancer when compared to non-Hispanic white women when diagnosed at a similar age and stage. Committed to reducing these disparities, the Planned Parenthood promotores (community health worker) program reaches thousands of Latinas every year in 16 communities across the country, raising awareness of the importance of screening and preventive care. (Source: Planned Parenthood)
“Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Latinas, and improving health outcomes starts with educating women and their families on the risk of ignoring potential problems,” said Dr. Debra Nucatola, senior director of medical services, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Latinas are sometimes reluctant to seek care due to a language barrier or lack of insurance. Planned Parenthood promotores are educating Latinas in their communities about the importance of screening and connecting women to health care services, helping them take control of their health.”
What can you do for Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
1) Get a clinical breast exam
According to Planned Parenthood, clinical breast exams are the first line of defense for providers in detecting breast cancer in most young women.
“Early detection saves lives,” said Dr. Deborah Nucatola, senior director of medical services, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Women under 40 too often aren’t aware of their own breast health, dismiss a lump as something that doesn’t need attention, or are paralyzed by fear. Waiting can change the course of a woman’s life, and that’s why Planned Parenthood is urging women to see their health care professional if they notice a change in their breasts.”
2) Learn how to perform a breast self-exam
Make a promise to yourself to take five minutes a month to perform a breast self-exam.
3) Get healthy
While there is no way to prevent breast cancer, there are things that women can do to reduce can lower your risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society offer the following advice about diet and activity to possibly reduce the risk of breast cancer is to:
- Get regular, intentional physical activity.
- Reduce your lifetime weight gain by limiting your calories and getting regular physical activity.
- Avoid or limit your alcohol intake.
- A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruit, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy products has also been linked with a lower risk of breast cancer in some studies. But it is not clear if specific vegetables, fruits, or other foods can lower risk. Most studies have not found that lowering fat intake has much of an effect on breast cancer risk.
- Limit postmenopausal hormone use
- Breastfeed, if you can
4) Get involved
Whether it is helping raise money by walking for Breast Cancer, donating your time or money everything counts. Fergie, global ambassador for the Avon Foundation for Women shares about her experience participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. “This is my second time at an Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and I continue to be amazed by the participants’ dedication, spirit and passion to fundraise like crazy and walk 39 long miles together to fight breast cancer,” said Fergie. “We’ve all been touched by cancer in some way, including me. Both of my parents are cancer survivors and I’ve lost my grandmother and uncle to cancer. Thank you Avon Walkers for every step you take to help end this horrible disease.”
Additional Resources:
- http://www.latinascontracancer.org/
- http://plannedparenthood.org/breast-health
- http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-prevention
- http://ww5.komen.org
Works Cited:
PRNewswire: Planned Parenthood Urges Women Under 40 To Take Control Of Their Health During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month // SOURCE Planned Parenthood Federation ofAmerica(September 26, 2012)
PRNewswire: Award-Winning Singer Fergie Cheers on Thousands of Participants at the Avon Walk for Breast CancerSanta Barbara(September 25, 2012)
Linda Castillo is the Founder and Executive Editor of http://www.modernlatina.com/. She writes on topics that empower and inspire Latinas including art, motherhood, green living, culture, travel, and issues transforming the Latino community. Linda has earned a B.S. in Business and a M.S. in Mass Communications from San Jose State University.