The Pretty Pink Arsenal: Holla' For The Hooters!

If that title grabbed your Attention, Good!

We've got an important topic to discuss, Wo-mano a Wo-mano:

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month,

and on the 1st I posted some amusing and fashion-forward finds to get you into the

spirit of contribution.

Think Pink Day is still going off worldwide,

so if you haven't missed the date in your area, it's time to Think Pinker!

I'm going with the facts today! The Research is coming at'cha!!

So just pretend that this pink ribbon is your face,

so I can put the facts right at front and center:

(Don't worry! Your quest for Knowledge will be rewarded in the end,
but you better read this first!)

Statistics

This info is straight from BreastCancer.org, and gives you an idea
should the question come up,"What are the odds?"

About 1 in 8 U.S. women (just under 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
About 39,520 women in the U.S. were expected to die in 2011 from breast cancer, though death rates have been decreasing since 1990 — especially in women under 50. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness.
For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.
Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. Just under 30% of cancers in women are breast cancers.
From 1999 to 2005, breast cancer incidence rates in the U.S. decreased by about 2% per year.
In 2011, there were more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the US.

As you can see the vast efforts are paying off. It's getting better all the time!

But the risks still exist, so make sure you know what precautions you need to take.

Myths

Ever played an long Game of Telephone?? Well, you might be feeling like you have been the whole time when you let these demystified myths clear the blurb.

Just because your best friend, your mama, or your mama's mama says so,

Doesn't mean it's True.

For a broader reality check, go to PinkRibbon.org, but here a few to chew in the meantime...

Myth 1 — Having a risk factor for breast cancer means you'll develop the disease.

No risk factor either alone or in combination with others means you'll definitely get breast cancer. There are various factors that may increase your risk of developing the disease. Some of these appear to increase your risk only slightly.

Myth 2 — If there is no breast cancer in your family, then you're not at risk for the disease.

Every woman is at risk for breast cancer. So are some men!
About 85 percent of women who develop the disease don't have a family history. That's why it's important for all women to get screened regularly.

Myth 3 — Breast cancer is passed only from your mother, not your father.

We now know that breast cancer genes can be inherited from your dad's side of the family. So ask relatives about cases on both sides and in both men and women.

Myth 4 — No matter what your risk factors are, you really don't have to worry about breast cancer until you're through menopause.

The odds of getting the disease do increase as you age. But breast cancer can occur at any age. That's why all women need to be vigilant. Though experts recommend yearly mammograms starting at age 40, your doctor may suggest that you start even earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer at a young age.

Myth 5 — Wearing a bra or using antiperspirants and deodorants increases your risk of breast cancer.

These are two Internet rumors that never seem to quit.

Myth 6 — If you have small breasts, you're much less likely to get breast cancer.

Size doesn't matter. Anyone with
breasts can get it.