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CRAVE BlogCRAVE Portland & American Cancer Society “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”
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CRAVE Portland is proud to announce that American Cancer Society “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” is the charity we’ve chosen to benefit at our December 9th Holiday Cravings Shopping Party! We spoke to Gretchen Rosenberger and Amy Theberge from the American Cancer Society last week and are happy to have them and their organization as part of our holiday festivities!
MSABC is the premier campaign to help fundraise dollars for breast cancer research and to fund grants for awareness programs among other things. Although “fundraising isn’t all we do, all we do depends on it.” This is your opportunity to join your community to educate women, raise money to fund lifesaving research, and to celebrate breast cancer survivors. “At these events, breast cancer survivors are like celebrities on the red carpet at the Oscars,” states Amy, a community relationship manager at ACS. Last year there were more than 4,000 walkers who raised $170,000 for the charity. We encourage everyone to join the campaign and walk on May 8, 2010, create a team, and donate.
In 2009, it’s estimated that 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women. Of that, there will be 40,170 deaths. The chances of women being diagnosed with breast cancer is 1 in 8 (12.1%). With this daunting statistic, we asked Gretchen and Amy several questions about how women can lower their risks of getting breast cancer, and if it is detected, what resources are available for them to get support.
What are some preventative health strategies to reduce known risk factors?
At least 60 minutes of exercise a day, a diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables that are packed with vitamins and nutrients, limit alcohol consumption, and definitely smoking. Smoking increases your risk not only for breast cancer but all other types of cancers.
How can one’s lifestyle affect their chances of getting breast cancer?
Although age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer, it’s important to be aware of breast cancer early on in the teen years and to learn how to develop a healthy lifestyle. You can’t change your lifestyle overnight when you reach 40 and start taking preventative measures against breast cancer. By then, it may be too late.
How can breast cancer be detected early?
First, understand that a person should not fully rely on self-examinations alone. Although you may know your body well, physicians may have a better understand of knowing what to look for. We recommend getting screenings yearly and begin getting mammograms when a woman reaches 40.
Where can someone go for patient information and support?
We have MANY outreach groups, of them, our patient services is the most visible. Help and information is available around the clock by calling ACS at 1-800-227-2345. There’s also Look Good .. Feel Better, Reach for Recovery, YourShoes, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. You can check out Cancer.org for additional resources.
The American Cancer Society‘s (ACS) primary goals are to celebrate cancer survivors, raise awareness about early detection and prevention, and help put an end to the disease through research and development–to find cures. ACS is one of the best known and most respected health charities and has fundraised more than $3.4 billion dollars since 1946, making them the “largest contributor to cancer research behind the U.S. government.” They also invest more in breast cancer research than any other cancer type, and “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” is the campaign founded for this cause.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CRAVE PORTLAND MSABC TEAM OR TO DONATE!
There will also be opportunities for you to get involved with MSABC at our Holiday Cravings party on December 9th. For more photos and information, click here.
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