The numbers can be shocking: one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. So October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness month, during which funds are raised and the facts about this devastating disease spread to women across the world. The symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a pink ribbon, so remember to get one to show your support. But then go further! Think about making a difference to your own life by deciding to get fit and adopt a healthier lifestyle for the future. After all, being fit is one of the best weapons we have against many types of cancer.
Check yourself out
Early detection is key when it comes to beating breast cancer and this means learning how to examine yourself. You need to make sure anything that doesn't feel right is immediately checked by your doctor. If you're not sure how to check your breasts then look online for a step-by-step guide, or ask a medical professional. Make sure you're always up to date with mammograms too. If you're not sure then your local clinic should be able to give you more updated information.
Genetic links
So much and yet so little is known about genetics, and how it relates to health. You should know that there is a definite hereditary link with breast cancer and that these faulty genes are passed down in the family. It was due to her own genetic predisposition to breast cancer that Angelina Jolie made the recent decision to have a preventive double mastectomy. Other celebrities, including Sharon Osbourne and Christina Applegate, have also been faced with this difficult choice as well as thousands of other women. So it is vital that if you know of any breast or ovarian cancer in your family then you need to check out your hereditary patterns.
Pink ribbons
Buying and sporting a pink ribbon not only provides essential funds for breast cancer research but also raises the profile and awareness of the disease. October is the time for women to stand together in solidarity and support each other. Find out what is happening in your area and how you can get involved in pink ribbon events too. They are usually fun and involve a great deal of camaraderie, not to mention the feel-good factor that comes with helping other women.
In the pink
As well as wearing a pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness, this is a time you can check that you are also in the pink, meaning that you are in good health. Why not take a fitness assessment and create some short-term and long-term fitness goals? A group class or personal trainer can help you find the best way forward to reach your target, whether you want to improve your core strength, change your lifestyle and give up bad habits, or build a stronger immune system.
Preventing and recovering
A healthy diet and a good fitness regime can really help in the fight against many types of cancers, although remember individual risk can be genetically based. Even so, research suggests that eating right and keeping your weight in the optimum Body Mass Index zone, as well as maintaining a strong physical system, can help prevent some forms of this terrible disease. Exercise is also vital in the recovery and rehabilitation process, with evidence suggesting that cancer survivors who follow an appropriate fitness plan have greater longevity and less chance of relapse.
Support breast cancer awareness and take control of your own fitness plan today. Perhaps you can work toward a fitness goal that also helps a good cause too.
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