The best weapon against breast cancer is awareness

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There are other actions you can take to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, a woman who exercises four hours per week reduces her risk. Eating a low-fat, nutritious diet can help. A diet high in fat increases the risk by triggering the hormone estrogen, which fuels tumor growth. So fill your plate with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Compared with non-drinkers, women who have one alcoholic drink a day have a very small increase in risk. Those who have two to five drinks daily, however, have about 1½ times the risk of women who don’t drink.

According to the women’s breast-feeding advocacy group La Leche League International, and the New York State Department of Health, research studies confirm that breast-feeding reduces the risk of breast cancer. The research shows that the longer a woman breast-feeds, the more protected she is against the disease.

The American Cancer Society says that new technologies to fight the disease are emerging, and that modern medicine’s understanding of the risk factors is also improving. Consulting with your doctor and being vigilant about your health are the most important things you can do.

The key is awareness. Know your body, and know your risks. Prevention, early detection and new technologies are the best weapons in the battle against breast cancer.


Breast cancer information and resources
• Hewlett House, a nonprofit community learning resource center: 86 East Rockaway Road, Hewlett, (516) 374-3190.

• The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer hotline: (800) 877-8077 or www.adelphi.edu/nysbreastcancer.org.

• The American Cancer Society: (800) ACS-2345 (227-2345) or www.cancer.org.

• National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc.: www.nationalbreastcancer.org.

• National Cancer Institute: (800) 4-CANCER (422-6237) or www.cancer.gov.

• Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation help line: (800) IM-AWARE (462-9273) or www.komennyc.org.


Making Strides of Jones Beach walk
Sunday, Oct. 20
Jones Beach State Park, Fields 4 and 5
Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
Registration and start: 8 to 11 a.m.
More information: (800) 227-2345 or www.MakingStridesWalk.org

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