October is 'Fight for the Cure' Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is one of the top 15 cancers caused by smoking. Chronic, heavy smoking is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. The link between smoking and cancers, in general, is undeniable. Cigarette smoke contains over 3,000 cancer-causing chemicals that are absorbed into your body and affect your present and future health. Researchers have found that nicotine enhances the growth of breast cancer cells.

In addition, certain women may be more vulnerable to smoking's effects on the breast than other women, based on their genetic makeup. This means that having a certain gene or genes may put a woman more at risk of developing breast cancer when exposed to secondhand smoke.

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer and mainly affects women, however, though rare, it can also affect men. Left undetected and untreated, it can spread to other areas of the body, classed as stage 4 cancer, of which the 5 year survival rate is only 16%. Early detection, prevention and treatment of this disease is of utmost importance.

According to the American Cancer Society, factors that can benefit your breast health and help lower the risk of breast cancer include: physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, no alcohol use and not smoking. If you or someone you know would like to quit smoking, call the free Montana Tobacco Quit-Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

The first Breast Cancer Awareness Month was observed in the United States in 1985. The aim of the event was to increase early detection of breast cancer by encouraging women to have mammograms, an x-ray of the breast used to detect abnormalities in breast tissue. Cancer can be more effectively treated and prevented from spreading if it is detected early.

The pink ribbon, was chosen as the symbol to represent breast cancer awareness. Daily events and activities are often held throughout the month of October. Many businesses designate a day as “Wear it Pink” Day in which employees are encouraged to wear pink to work in support of breast cancer awareness. Phillips County Coalition for Healthy Choices encourages everyone to wear pink and show “support for the fighters”, “admire the survivors” and “honor the taken.”