National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kicks Off Today So Please "Think Before You Pink"!

National breast cancer awareness month kicks off today, and is becoming more mainstream these days, with Pepsi and Yoplait, amongst many that have launched programs for donating to the research and prevention for the disease. As the 26th year of this begins in 2010, breast cancer is still the second most common cancer among women, following non-melanoma skin cancer. As this year marks the 26th anniversary of this yearly event, it still takes a big toll on American women, with 41,000 dying from it in 2006 out of 191,000 being diagnosed with the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although they claim major progress has been made over the past 20 years. Another sign of how serious the issue is, according to the Susan G. Komen site, a woman dies of this disease every 69 seconds. That is a sobering thought.

The primary focus of this month is to of course, increase awareness, and to urge more women to take precautions, such as screenings and early detection practices. The mammogram is the best method to detect it early when it is easier to treat and before is is large enough to feel or create symptoms. Having regular mammograms can reduce the risk of dying from this disease as well. Women between the ages of 50 to 74 years old should take measures to ensure they are screened every two years. Continue Reading National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kicks Off Today! Here