Early detection helps prevent breast cancer fatalities. Prevention activities can prevent breast cancer. Prevention methods and early detection greatly increase your change of survival. You can help with breast cancer awareness by buying Pink Ribbon products, choosing companies that donate to breast cancer research, using the prevention steps, following up on your doctor's advice, and donating to breast cancer research.

Understand the Risk Factors

Breast cancer is caused by uncontrolled, irregular cell growth in the body. Risk factors increase your chance of getting breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation lists the following risk factors.

* Older age - Half of all women diagnosed are over age sixty-five
* Early onset of menses or late menopause
* Diets high in saturated fat
* Older age at birth of first child or never having given birth
* Personal history of breast cancer or benign breast disease
* A family history, particularly a mother or sister
* Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest
* Breast tissue that is dense on a mammogram
* Taking hormones such as estrogen and progesterone
* Obesity
* Moderate alcoholic intake - more than 2 drinks per day

Follow the Steps to Prevention

Prevention is crucial for early detection. Use the list below as a prevention guide.

1. Monthly breast self-examinations
2. Personal calendar to record self-exams, mammograms, appointments
3. A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and no smoking or drinking
4. Clinical breast examinations every three years from ages 20-39
5. Baseline mammogram by the age of 40
6. Mammogram every one to two years for women 40-49
7. Mammogram every year for women 50 and older
8. Report any changes or concerns to your doctor

Know the Signs and Symptoms

Pay close attention to changes within the breasts. Sometimes changes in shape, feel, color, or texture indicate the presence of breast cancer. Perform monthly self-exams and immediately report any breast changes to your physician.

This article was written by Sherman Rogers of All-waste Dumpster Rental Service. All Waste was started 1998 with a single Mack truck and 12 roll-off dumpsters. Today Rogers, runs an all-Mack fleet of 18 trucks and more than 1200 dumpsters. Sherman donates a portion of his proceeds to breast cancer research and he receives excellent feedback from the public for the dedication he shows for his community. Visit http://thegarbageman.com/ to learn more.