Breast Cancer--what you may not know

Hi Everyone--it's that dreaded time of year for me again.  The month that everyone comes out of the wood works raising awareness for breast cancer.  When your sister, who happens to be your best friend dies of breast cancer, you are completely aware of breast cancer.  You see everything as it happens to the person you love, then you become aware of what happens to you, and even after she dies you are continuously aware of the devastation breast cancer causes.

So YES--yes we are all aware of breast cancer.  We know it is a cancer that affects both men and women.  We know it affects every race.  We know if affects both young and old.  But here are some little known facts about breast cancer you may not be aware of

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women after skin cancer.  It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer.

The left breast is statistically more prone to developing cancer than the right--and scientists still do not know why.

The incidences of breast cancer is highest in more developed countries and lowest in less developed countries.

The United States has more cases of breast than anyone else in the entire world

White women have a greater risk for developing breast cancer than African American women, however more African America women die from breast cancer than white women.

Breastfeeding has been shown to greatly reduce the risk for getting breast cancer.  The longer the duration of breastfeeding the great the benefit to you.

While long thought the risk of developing breast cancer increases if there was an occurrence in the mother's side of the family, the risk is just as great if there were occurrences in the father's side of the family.

The BEST thing you can do is educate yourself.  Get a mammogram if you are 50 and older.  If you have a history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer in your family start before you are in your 40's.  Go to your yearly OB/GYN appointments.  GO TO YOUR YEARLY OB/GYN APPOINTMENTS!  You should not be afraid of your OB/GYN.  You should go with a doctor YOU like and feel comfortable with.  You shouldn't pick a woman just because you are a woman--you shouldn't feel like only a woman can know how you feel because you are a woman.  Don't stay with someone who don't like or feel comfortable with just because you were told he/she is the best.  

Your doctor should be your advocate and help you do what's best for you.  Don't lie to them about your lifestyle.  They need the right information to help you be healthy.

My Manicure today for Breast Cancer Awareness is how breast cancer affected me.  My sister was not a survivor and while I rejoice for all those who are--breast cancer will never be about surviving for me.

My index is Zoya Arabella and the rest are the lovely OPI Pussy Galore.

I think Lisa would die of embarrassment if she knew I was wearing a polish with the word "pussy" in it! LOL!

I stamped using BM418 on the index and BM411 on the middle and ring.

Here's a lovely shot with flash--I think we all know I love a textured polish!

I miss my beautiful sister Lisa every single day.  They say it gets easier but what they really mean is you learn to tolerate the emptiness you feel inside.

Here's a picture of one of the happiest times I spent with my two sisters!  They are both beautiful--I could not have asked for a better family than the one I have.

Lisa is on the left, Lynelle is in the middle and that leaves me on the right this was our last ever Lutze family vacation.  We went down to visit our parents in Florida in 2007.  It was the best time EVAH!!

I hope someday no one has to lose their sister, or mother, or daughter, or aunt, or wife, or best friend to breast cancer.