Curves is using Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October to continue to raise awareness in women about the life-saving importance of risk management, early detection and treatment.
Throughout the month, Curves fitness clubs in South Delta are waiving the joining fee for new members who show proof of a mammogram within the past year or make a $25 donation to breast cancer research.
According to statistics from the Canadian Cancer Society, nearly 23,400 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, an average of 64 women every day. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women; one in nine can expect to be diagnosed with it and one in 29 will die of it.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, each participating Curves centre will focus on three important goals in supporting this annual campaign:
1. Helping women learn the facts about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
2. Encouraging women to work out three times a week to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
3. Participating in fundraising efforts to support the research and outreach efforts of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
Since only about five to 10 per cent of breast cancers are hereditary, prevention can play a key role in a woman's risk management strategy. Researchers recommend making lifestyle choices such as eating right, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight to help a woman significantly reduce her risk of developing breast cancer.
"Curves mission has always been to strengthen women," according to Leslie Eriksen, manager of the Tsawwassen club.
"Typically, women are caregivers, but when it comes to breast cancer, women need to understand how important it is to take care of themselves.
"Scheduling an annual doctor visit, performing a monthly breast self exam, eating a nutritious diet and making time for regular exercise are all things that a woman can do to stay strong and help reduce her chances of developing this devastating disease."
Early detection is the next line of defence, contributing to the current 88 per cent five-year survival rate statistic for all women diagnosed with the disease. Guidelines from the Canadian Cancer Society encourage women ages 40 to 49 to talk to their doctors about breast cancer, to weigh the risks and benefits of mammograms, and to consider having a clinical breast exam performed by a health professional once a year.
Women ages 50 to 69 are encouraged to have a mammogram every two years.
Women aged 70 or older should discuss mammograms and ongoing monitoring with their doctors.
For more information about activities in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to learn how to exercise good breast health, contact Curves in Tsawwassen at 6049433106 and in Ladner at 604-952-0770.
