http://2cccd5dfe1965e26adf6-26c50ce30a6867b5a67335a93e186605.r53.cf1.rackcdn.com/Breast Cancer Wrap.mp3
Today marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Susan B. Komen for the Cure Pittsburgh has planned several events including the 4th annual Paws for the Cure, a dog walk through Hartwood Acres on October 7th, and the Tickled Pink Survivor Luncheon at the Omni William Penn on October 20th, along with other local events.
CEO Kathy Purcell said even though there are no cures yet, the disease is better understood and awareness that exercise and a healthy diet are effective preventive steps has grown and more people are surviving breast cancer.
Although it's important for people to know their family history of the disease, only 9 to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary, according to Purcell. "The real risk of developing breast cancer is being a woman and aging because, even though we hear a lot about young women with breast cancer, the average age of incidence is around 60 years old. One in eight women will be diagnosed."
It’s important that men learn about breast cancer symptoms, said Purcell, because they too are susceptible.
