You At Your Best

SATURdAY, SEpTEmBER 29, 2018 | wOmEn'S ISSUE - OcTOBER nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 15 Special to NWa Democrat-Gazette Nearly one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer affecting women in the U.S. While not all women will experience symptoms, all should be familiar with the possible signs and symptoms that could indicate breast cancer (American Cancer Society). These include: • Changes in appearance: o Dimpling of the breast o Inverted nipple o Skin changes (redness, scaling or thickening) o Swelling of the breast • Changes in feeling: o Breast or nipple pain o Breast or nipple tenderness o Lump in the breast • Nipple discharge (if you are not breast-feeding) Talk with your doctor about the best breast cancer screening plan for you and if you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms above. Hope Cancer Resources provides compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow. Visit www. hopecancerresources.org to learn more. Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms By KareN rice NWa Democrat-Gazette Although breast cancer does not only affect women, it's roughly 100 times more likely to develop in women than in men. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, perfect time to educate yourself and others about breast cancer. Despite the fact that it is so common, there is not enough information to know exactly what causes it. Not knowing makes prevention difficult, however getting regular screenings and detecting cancer in its early stages can increase the likelihood of successful treatment. It's recommended that women over 40 have a mammogram annually to detect breast cancer in its early stages. Women can take some steps to reduce their risk for breast cancer. Diet and exercise can benefit overall health in various ways, including reducing a person's risk for breast cancer. Various reports suggest that vigorous exercise, like cycling or running, can reduce a woman's risk of post- menopausal breast cancer by nearly 10 percent compared to less active women. Choosing healthy foods can keep weight in check, helping to reduce the risk of breast cancer. The Mayo Clinic also lists these steps to help with breast cancer risk: • Avoid smoking, • Breastfeed children, when possible • Limit the dose and duration of hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, • Avoid exposure to radiation, • Adhere to a Mediterranean diet that features legumes and other plant-based foods, and • Limiting alcohol intake • Maintaining a healthy weight. • Prioritize breast cancer detection Here in Northwest Arkansas, Susan G. Komen Ozark is a local resource for women who need breast cancer education, screening, diagnostic and support services. Through annual events including the Race for the Cure and individual contributions, Komen Ozark raises funds that enable women to detect and survive breast cancer. Seventy-five percent of all funds raised by the Affiliate stay in this service area to fund breast health programs for women who would not otherwise have access to screening and treatment. Twenty-five percent of funds raised supports the Susan G. Komen® research program. Komen Ozark has awarded more than $11 million in local breast health and breast cancer awareness projects in their 10 county service area. For more information, go to komenozark.org Breast Cancer Awareness

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