Joining in the fight against breast cancer

The month of October is nationally recognized as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

Besides skin cancer, this type is the most common cancer found in American women, who have a 1 in 37 chance of losing their lives to this form of cancer.

This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates that a total 252,710 new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed and 40,610 American women will die from breast cancer. In Ohio, it is estimated that 68,180 new cases will be diagnosed and 25,430 deaths will be caused by breast cancer.

Virtually all of us know someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer. Perhaps your mother, sister, cousin, or friend has faced or is still battling this disease.

Knowing someone who is fighting such an incredible battle can often make us feel powerless, but it can also stir in us a desire to find ways in which we can help bear the burden that these women are facing.

First and foremost, we can be there for these women and show them empathy and compassion.

We can be a firm foundation on which they can rely for support and by being a kind, listening friend.

We can share our time and assistance by helping them complete simple daily tasks so they can focus on healing and recovery.

Through these actions, we can express our love for them and show them that they are not alone in their battle.

Second, we can donate to those who are researching cures for this fatal disease. While breast cancer incidence rates have remained steady over the past 25 years, there has been a decrease in death rates.

This change can possibly be attributed to recent advancements in research that have been able to save the lives of countless women diagnosed with breast cancer. There are numerous organizations in Ohio and across the nation dedicated to fighting breast cancer to which we can donate our time and resources.

Third and finally, we can spread awareness about breast cancer and early detection to increase prevention. When breast cancer is diagnosed early, treatment effectiveness and survival rates are much greater.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women who have an average breast cancer risk begin annual screening at age 45, but can start screening as early as 40.

Additionally, studies have shown that by maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active, women can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Excessive alcohol use can also lead to an increased risk of developing breast cancer as well as other cancers.

The American Cancer Society states that those who have two to three drinks a day have roughly a 20 percent higher risk of developing cancer than women who do not consume alcohol.

You can find more statistics and information regarding breast cancer awareness and prevention by visiting www. cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention.html.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been impacted, either directly or indirectly, by breast cancer.

I hope you join me this month in participating in the fight against breast cancer.

Sen. John Eklund