Can’t believe that October has rolled around again… where did the summer go? October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so we’ve been trying to dash around all our information stands topping up with all the latest breast cancer information leaflets. We have 14 stands located throughout Fife, so keep an eye out for them.
Cancer Research UK state that one in nine women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives and the World Health Organisation say it is now the most common cancer among women worldwide.
Frightening statistics – but can we do anything about it? There is increasing evidence to suggest that we can.
It was recently reported in the Times that a new study by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF ) has found the strongest evidence yet that lifestyle is linked to the risk of developing breast cancer. The research came to the conclusion after showing that more than four out of ten cases could be prevented if women exercised, limited their alcohol intake and maintained a healthy weight.
Arlene Wilkie, director of research and policy at Breast Cancer Campaign, said: “This review provides further evidence that maintaining a healthy weight throughout life along with regular exercise will reduce the risk of health problems such as breast cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis.”
Easier said than done after a hard days work when the notion of collapsing in front of the telly with a glass of wine and packet of crisps is a bit more appealing than a green salad and a jog round the park, I know, but at least it gives some hope that we have some influence over this awful disease.
When breast cancer does strike however, early detection can save lives. The breast screening programme in the UK has screened more than 19 million women and has detected around 117,000 cancers and a report by the Department of Health Advisory Committee published in 1991 suggested that the programme would save 1,250 lives each year by 2010.
I recently had my first mammogram (giving my age away here!) and it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected – it is rather weird, but only uncomfortable for a few seconds. Not much inconvenience when it could save my life…
Cancer Research UK state that one in nine women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives and the World Health Organisation say it is now the most common cancer among women worldwide.
Frightening statistics – but can we do anything about it? There is increasing evidence to suggest that we can.
It was recently reported in the Times that a new study by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF ) has found the strongest evidence yet that lifestyle is linked to the risk of developing breast cancer. The research came to the conclusion after showing that more than four out of ten cases could be prevented if women exercised, limited their alcohol intake and maintained a healthy weight.
Arlene Wilkie, director of research and policy at Breast Cancer Campaign, said: “This review provides further evidence that maintaining a healthy weight throughout life along with regular exercise will reduce the risk of health problems such as breast cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis.”
Easier said than done after a hard days work when the notion of collapsing in front of the telly with a glass of wine and packet of crisps is a bit more appealing than a green salad and a jog round the park, I know, but at least it gives some hope that we have some influence over this awful disease.
When breast cancer does strike however, early detection can save lives. The breast screening programme in the UK has screened more than 19 million women and has detected around 117,000 cancers and a report by the Department of Health Advisory Committee published in 1991 suggested that the programme would save 1,250 lives each year by 2010.
I recently had my first mammogram (giving my age away here!) and it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected – it is rather weird, but only uncomfortable for a few seconds. Not much inconvenience when it could save my life…
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