Breast Cancer Is an Efficient Killer

By Jason James Ferris

Breast cancer is an efficient killer. Normally, overwhelming readers with statistics is a sure fire way to get them to tune out. But in this case, I believe it is warranted. In 2009, 23,200 women in Canada were diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,300 of them died from it. In any given week, that's 100 women dying from this disease. Breast cancer has a very impressive kill rate of 4%. For males, the number of diagnosed cases was much lower at 180 but 50 of those were fatal, an even more impressive kill rate. This is a disease that affects everyone and it's time to fight back.

Education is our best weapon against this disease. There are risk factors that we can identify and precautions to take. Here are some of the risk factors for this type of cancer (although having them does not mean you will get it):

• Being a woman (99% of all cases are women)
• Your risks increase as you get older
• Breast cancer history (either yourself or family)
• Early menstruation (before the age of 12)
• Late menopause (after the age of 55)
• Taking hormone replacement therapy
• Delayed childbirth (after the age of 30 or none at all)
• Never breastfed
• Being over weight

As with any form of cancer, early detection is the key to surviving. Finding the cancer, early on when it is small, makes it easier to remove completely. Being proactive in your breast-screening program is vital. Examining yourself on a regular basis allows you to become more familiar with the normal look and feel of your breast, making it easier to detect anomalies in the future. Although self exams are important, they should in no way replace regular clinical check ups or mammograms. Please download this breast self exam card to further assist you.

Please visit the Breast Cancer Society of Canada to learn more about how you can donate, educate, participate, and celebrate.

Jason James Ferris
http://www.rdfunlimited.com
http://blog.rdfunlimited.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_James_Ferris
http://EzineArticles.com/?Breast-Cancer-Is-an-Efficient-Killer&id=5008694

LINKS

• What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About(TM): Breast Cancer: How Hormone Balance Can Help Save Your Life (What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About...)
• Stand by Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men
• Pilates Therapeutics ® Breast Cancer Survivor's Guide to Physical Restoration
• Breast Cancer: Reduce Your Risk with Foods You Love
• Cancer Is a Bitch: (Or, I'd Rather Be Having a Midlife Crisis)
• Classical Stretch - The Esmonde Technique: Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Post-Surgery
• Hope for the Journey through Cancer: Inspiration for Each Day
• The Breast Cancer Diaries
• Breast Cancer and Iodine : How to Prevent and How to Survive Breast Cancer
• Focus on Healing through Movement & Dance for the Breast Cancer Survivor