Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 John1:2

There are two startling facts about breast cancer - it is reportedly the second most common type of cancer women are diagnosed with and 1 in 8 women who are born in this country will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. However, it has been found that an early diagnosis is the best way to beat this disease.

Breast cancer unfortunately has no cure, so early detection plays a crucial role. In an attempt to make women more aware October is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM).

American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, maker of several anti-breast cancer drugs got together and founded NBCAM in 1985. The main goal at the time was to promote mammography as the most effective weapon against breast cancer. Since then several other breast cancer charities have joined in so that more funds can be raised for research.

NBCAM is an opportunity to spread the word about breast cancer and make women aware about the steps they can take to detect it early.

Shazzy Fitness has put together a few ways by which you can stay healthy and reduce the risk of breast cancer:

• Exercise. When you exercise at least four times a week for a minimum of twenty minutes you reduce the chances of getting breast cancer by 10 - 30 percent..
• Maintain your weight. Obesity reportedly raises the risk of breast cancer after menopause.
• Eat right. Make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Reduce the amount of processed food you consume.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Don't smoke.
• Breast-feed. Research suggests breast-feeding babies plays a role in protection.
• Avoid exposure to radiation.
• Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy.
• Most importantly get regular breast cancer screenings. Ask your doctor when is the right time for you to get a mammogram.