(ARA) - Breast cancer is the leading cause
of death for women ages 40 to 59. This year alone, more than 200,000 women
will be diagnosed with the disease. Another 40,000 will die from it. Even
though early detection is critical to survival and every woman is at risk
for developing the disease, new research shows the vast majority of women
do not discuss this issue with each other.
According to a recent survey commissioned by WHEATABLES Crackers and the
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, there is a startling lack of dialogue
among women about breast cancer risk and the importance of early detection.
Sixty-five percent of women report they never or infrequently discuss breast
cancer risk even though almost half report having a close personal experience
(self, family or close friend diagnosed) with the disease. Seventy-three
percent of mothers surveyed reported they never or hardly ever discuss
breast cancer, breast self-exams or mammograms with their daughters or
granddaughters and 67 percent of the women surveyed said the same about
their mothers or stepmothers.
“These findings are astounding particularly because one in eight
women are expected to develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Communication
and conversation are critical to understanding the importance of early
detection and adopting positive breast health practices,” said Susan
Braun, president and CEO of the Komen Foundation.
In response, WHEATABLES Crackers and the Komen Foundation have launched
a public education initiative to encourage women to talk about breast cancer.
Called “Talk About Breast Cancer - It’s a Conversation Worth
Having,” the initiative is designed to help women -- and those who
love them -- get the conversation going.
Special WHEATABLES Crackers packaging carries pink Ribbons for Life and
conversation starter tips, including:
* Make a monthly calendar note to call your mother, aunt, sister or daughter
with a reminder to conduct a breast self-exam. * Enclose a note and a pink
ribbon in birthday cards to female friends 40 years of age or older, reminding
them to have a mammogram.
* Ask your doctor about breast health activities at every appointment.
Don’t wait for the doctor to ask you.
* Send a care package with how-to tips to young women at college or away
from home; once a woman turns 20, she should begin conducting monthly breast
self-exams and have a doctor or nurse examine her breasts every three years.
* Develop a “buddy” system with friends. Ask them to remind
you regularly about breast health activities and do the same for them.
* Share a cup of coffee, tea or cocoa and breast cancer facts with a friend:
Breast cancer is the number one killer of women between the ages of 40
and 59; the majority of women who develop breast cancer had no family history
of the disease; if breast cancer is detected early, a woman’s chances
of survival improve significantly.
“Regular discussions that encourage breast health activities like
monthly breast self-exams, annual clinical breast exams and mammograms
can make a very real difference,” said Jenny Enochson, spokesperson
for WHEATABLES Crackers. “That’s why we’re so committed
to getting the conversation going.”
WHEATABLES Crackers will donate $5.00 to the Komen Foundation for every
five ribbons clipped from its special packaging and sent in by customers.
For more information about the campaign, log onto www.ribbonsforlife.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Courtesy of ARA Content
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