::: CeCe Cole, President- The Official Website of Silke Endress, Lifestyle of the Lady CEO, International Professional Women's Magazine :::

Breast cancer is a prolific disease with an estimated 192,370 new cases diagnosed
this year in women and 1,910 new cases diagnosed in men, according to the
National Cancer Institute.

This year, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrates 25 years of
promoting awareness, education, and empowerment.

Since its inception a quarter century ago, NBCAM has grown into a partnership
of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and
government agencies at the forefront of promoting important breast cancer
issues.

In recognition of this 25th anniversary milestone, here are five simple ways to
celebrate breast cancer awareness in your own life, courtesy of the NBCAM
organization:

Know your risks
The risk of developing breast cancer is not the same for all women. According to
the National Cancer Institute age is the single most important risk factor for
breast cancer. But research has also shown that personal and family history of
breast cancer, alterations in certain genes, reproductive and menstrual history,
body weight, level of physical activity and alcohol consumption are among the
factors that affect a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Talk to your
doctor about your risk of developing breast cancer.

Practice healthy habits
While there are some breast cancer risk factors that women cannot avoid - such
as age and genetics - there are also steps that women can take to help prevent
breast cancer on their own. Women should know that exposure to tobacco and
excessive alcohol consumption are risk factors for breast cancer, as well as other
cancers. In addition, research suggests that women can decrease their risk of
cancer simply by eating healthy and exercising regularly. Make small changes
now to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle tomorrow. You may want to
start by adding a brisk lunch time walk to your day, adding more fruits and
vegetables, and limiting fat and alcohol in your diet.

Know that there is hope
Thanks to early detection and improvements in treatment, more women are
surviving breast cancer, remaining disease-free and living longer, healthier lives.
Today, nearly 90 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer will
survive their disease at least five years, up from just 75 percent 35 years ago,
according to the National Cancer Institute. Moreover, the death rate from
breast cancer in women has decreased by 2.2 percent annually between 1990
and 2004, according to the American Cancer Society.

Today, there is a flourishing community of 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in
the United States, and there is a great deal to be hopeful about.