Sorry Fabulites…have been away from my laptop for a few days….well…I’m back!
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month and I wanted to impart some crucial nuggets of information. While the information below is directed towards African-American women, ALL women need to be aware of the risks of breast cancer. Having lost my mother to the dreaded disease last spring (and two of her sisters have battled–and won–against it), I have witnessed firsthand how aggressive the disease can be. I had my first mammogram at 26…..
Things Black Women Should Know About Breast Cancer 1. White women are more at risk for breast cancer, but when blackwomen develop the disease it’s deadlier.2. The chance of an American woman developing breast cancer in sometime at her life is one in eight, but the death rate from the diseasefor black women is 32 percent higher than for white women.3. Younger black women who develop breast cancer are more likely thanolder black women or white women to develop a particularly aggressiveform of the disease that is deadlier and harder to treat. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so there's no time like thepresent to have that mammogram you've been putting off. According tomedical experts, the earlier the detection of breast cancer, the higherthe chances of a successful recovery. If there is a woman dear to you,go for a mammogram together. Support is key! Know Whether You May Be At Risk 4. Is there a history of breast cancer in your family, particularlywith your mother, aunt, sister or maternal grandmother?5. Are you severely overweight or obese? Did you become heavier aftermenopause?6. Did your periods start before age 12?7. Did you have your first child after age 30? Were you childlesswhen you entered menopause?Get some important information about breast health and cancerawareness: Early Detection Saves Lives – What You Can Do About It 8. Perform monthly breast self-exam 2-3 days after the end of yourperiod9. Have a yearly clinical breast exam by a healthcare professional10. Have a yearly mammogram beginning at age 40. Ask your doctor ifyou should start having them earlier if you believe you may be in ahigh-risk category. For the original article, read here.In a nutshell, take care of yourselves....do your breast exams,get mammograms, talk to your physician, and keep it strictly stylish!
