Buddy Check 6 sponsored by NWMRMC & WABG

Videos for Download:

August 2008

September 2008

BUDDY CHECK 6

Beginning Oct 2007 WABG is partnering with NorthWest Regional Medical Center to help educate the public on breast cancer.

Our goal is to remind women to do self breast exams and get their yearly mammograms.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in this country (other than skin cancer). Each year, more than 211,000 American women learn they have this disease.

Each year, about 1,700 men in this country learn they have breast cancer. Breast cancer does not discriminate.

WABG and NorthWest Regional care about your health. We will urge you to choose someone you love and trust to become your “Buddy” in this very important cause. Once a month, around the 6^th, WABG will air a news segment called “Buddy Check 6”. We will remind you to do self breast exams and to remind your “Buddy” to do the same.

Studies have found the following risk factors for breast cancer:

v Age: The chance of getting breast cancer goes up as a woman gets older. Most cases of breast cancer occur in women over 60. This disease is not common before menopause.

v Personal History of breast cancer: A woman whose had breast cancer in one breast has an increased risk of getting cancer in her other breast.

v Family History: A woman’s risk of breast cancer is higher if her mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer. This risk is higher if her family member had breast cancer before age 40.

v Race: Breast cancer is diagnosed more often in white women than Latina, Asian, or African American women.

v Breast density: Breast tissue may be dense or fatty. Older women whose mammograms show more dense tissue are at increased risk of breast cancer.

v Overweight or Obese after menopause: The chance of getting breast cancer after menopause is higher in women who are overweight or obese.

v Lack of Physical activity: Women who are physically inactive throughout life may have an increased risk of breast cancer. Being active may help reduce risk by preventing weight gain and obesity.

v Drinking alcohol: Studies suggest that the more alcohol a woman drinks, the greater her risk of breast cancer.

Other possible risk factors are under study. Researchers are studying the effect of diet, physical activity, and genetics on breast cancer risk. They are also studying whether certain substances in the environment can increase the risk of breast cancer.

*Resource: National Cancer Institute