As October arrives, it marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness month – a time dedicated to raising awareness honoring survivors, remembering those we’ve lost, and renewing our commitment to the fight against breast cancer. At Women Supporting Women, this month holds profound significance as we continue our mission to provide awareness, support, and education, and uplift those affected by breast cancer. Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month and every month, we offer a variety of free programs and services for men, women, and their families confronting this disease.
For over 30 years Women Supporting Women has been a beacon of hope for individuals facing breast cancer to community members on Delmarva. Our organization is built on the principle that no one should face breast cancer alone. We are your local, grass-roots non-profit organization here on Delmarva guiding those newly diagnosed through their breast cancer journey. With mentoring services, WSW provides the compassion and understanding you would expect from a friend or family member. Funding raised throughout the year, not just in October, stays local and is used to provide all our services free to breast cancer survivors from beach to bay on the Delmarva peninsula. In 2022, out of every dollar, 72 cents went back into our local community. We are here to encourage those going through their breast cancer journey with as little or as much information as they feel they need.
To learn more about WSW, visit www.womensupportingwomen.org or stop by the Salisbury office located at 1320 Belmont Avenue, next to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.
Can I Lower My Risk of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a formidable adversary, affecting millions of lives every year. While there is no foolproof way to prevent breast cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Many risk factors are beyond your control, such as age and gender, but there are other factors you can actively address to potentially lower your risk.
Maintain a healthy weight:
One crucial factor in breast cancer risk is weight. Both increased body weight and gaining weight as an adult have been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause. To reduce this risk, the ACS recommends staying at a healthy weight throughout your life. It’s essential to balance your food intake with physical activity to avoid excess weight gain.
Stay physically active:
Numerous studies have shown a link between regular physical activity and a reduced risk of breast cancer. Engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity can be a game-changer for your health. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults aim for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week, or a combination of both, ideally spread throughout the week. Exceeding the upper limit of 300 minutes can be even more beneficial.
Other lifestyle-related risk factors for breast cancer include decisions about having children and taking medicines that contain hormones.
