Young Women Are Learning To Fight Back - What You Can Do To Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk

The American Cancer Society predicts 34,170 new cancer cases in Texas this year. Of those, 2, 480 are expected to be breast—in third place, following lung (9,920 cases expected), and colon/rectum (3,220). Nationally, 26% of new cancer diagnoses—178,480—will be breast, accounting for one-third of all cancers in women. Warnings about environmental toxins, the dangers of inadequate diet and nutrition, and risk factors associated with family history abound. Combined with dismal statistics on the declining number of those able to afford individual health insurance—25.1% in Texas are uninsured—it can all seem more than a little overwhelming.

The lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is approximately one in eight, or 13.2%. Risk substantially increases with age, genetic tendencies, family history, personal medical history, and obesity. A woman in her thirties has only a 1 in 229 (0.4%) chance of being diagnosed, while a woman in her sixties has a 1 in 26 chance (3.8%). Survival rates for cancer increase with proper screening, early detection, and quality treatment (which, in turn, increases with health insurance coverage). These low percentages overall seem unconcerning, very low, in fact, but when we stop to consider what this means in actual numbers, or the fact we probably know someone affected by the disease, it hits closer to home.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, along with the American Cancer Society and other non-profit groups, are helping women in Texas and across the country take control of their health by reducing risk factors. Women of all ages are fighting back with knowledge, support groups, and a push for healthier lifestyles. One can substantially reduce risk by becoming aware of, and adjusting for, personal vulnerabilities to the disease and establishing healthy habits. The younger the better, and young women are becoming more and more aware.

Many still believe that what puts a woman primarily at risk is genetic tendency (i.e., family history), but this simply isn't true. Only 5-10% of cases are linked with the BRCA genes, and only 30% of women with breast cancer have a family history of it. While certain uncontrollable factors significantly contribute to its incidence—including family history, early onset of menarche (having the first period before 12), late onset of menopause, the first full-term pregnancy after 30, hormone use, and being over 5'3"—a woman can reduce her risk, family history or not, by following a healthy lifestyle and making certain key medical decisions.

Obesity and physical activity are among those controllable risks. Weight gain of more than 20-30 pounds after 18 is of particular note. An obese woman has a higher risk of getting breast cancer, as do physically inactive women. The belief is that higher fat content produces more estrogen in the body, which, in turn, increases risk.

In 2005, Texas reported 27% of its residents as obese, above the national average of 24.4%. Recent studies of children in Dallas, Houston, and other cities across the state indicate troublingly high percentages of obesity in those under 18, as well. A child with unhealthy lifestyle habits has a higher chance of retaining those unhealthy habits as an adult, which, in turn, puts that adult at higher risk for certain cancers and chronic conditions. Establishing regular exercise and smart diet choices as early as possible in young women not only reduces the risk of breast cancer, but also improves overall well-being. A consistent physical regimen, producing an elevated heart rate for thirty or more minutes, several times a week, will decrease chances of not only breast cancer, but also many other diseases.

Estrogen exposure is another reason behind the slight increase of breast cancer in women taking (and shortly after taking) the birth control pill, as well as the risk associated with women participating in HRT (hormone replacement therapy), particularly after menopause. While short-term use of these hormones has been associated with reduced danger, anyone considering these treatments would be wise to weigh all the pros and cons before beginning.

Alcohol consumption increases cancer risk. Even a few drinks a week could affect one's chances, but, in general, physicians say not to worry too much about enjoying a glass of wine or the occasional beer. Data suggests that the biggest concern over alcohol is its overuse; alcohol affects the way the liver processes estrogen.

Larger breasts, as well as asymmetrical breasts, may work against a woman, and choosing not to nurse may also increase the chances of getting breast cancer. Why nursing can dramatically influence risk—reducing it by as much as 50%--is not exactly known, but studies have shown that women who breastfeed several children, for extended periods, gain the greatest benefits.

Overall, it can be a little frightening. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and, with so many women being diagnosed with breast cancer alone every year, it's hard not to become overwhelmed. But we're fighting back, and young women are becoming more aware every day of what they can do to reduce their chances. Exercise, reduce stress, don't drink too much alcohol, nurse if possible, and, for goodness sake's, monitor yourself. If you're without individual health insurance and find it difficult to go for annual exams (which should include a breast exam), do everything you can to get it. In the end, it's up to you to take control and to fight back.

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Women Start Businesses in Record Numbers in 2009

The United States has produced many women making it to the top and becoming successful leaders. This is despite the fact that the environment these women grew up in might not have facilitated their direct access to the business world or provided these women role models in which to emulate. Nevertheless, many women have managed to learn enough about conducting a business and leading a team through education and mentoring.

Although in most cases women are still the ones who manage the household and would not normally have the time that running a business requires, many have set their priorities straight and have successfully entered the business world. Recent statistics show that women are starting businesses in record numbers and bringing significant changes to an environment which, not too long ago, seemed to be structured primarily for men and their ways of thinking and working.

Until recently, very few women have managed to succeed as business leaders. Be it for the disturbing lack of flexibility, men's solidarity in business or women's lack of confidence in their skills and abilities as leaders, the reality is that not many women have succeeded to in leadership roles. Moreover, in the absence of any grants from government agencies, women have to turn to private and non-profit organizations for assistance in starting a business. And, unfortunately, such grants often address minority women or women that come from economically disadvantaged communities. In spite of a nationwide network of programs and centers that offer business training, assistance and educational resources specifically for women, the actual business opportunities women are presented with are not too numerous.

Despite all these major drawbacks, what we are witnessing today in the business world is something that many would consider surprising, to say the least. Things are changing and evolving rapidly to an unprecedented presence for women in the business environment. Statistics show that over 23 million people in the United States (approximately 16% of the workforce) are now employed by women-owned businesses. This is almost double the number of employees that the biggest fifty companies in the U.S. have altogether. In addition to this, women-owned businesses generate $3 trillion in revenue and are tantamount to the fifth-largest gross domestic product on a global scale.

The first question that comes to mind is "Why are women starting their own businesses?" The most obvious reason would have to be "Because they want to be financially independent." We all know that depending on someone else for everything you need, from the food you put on the table and the clothes you wear to going on vacation or buying gifts for the holidays can be frustrating at times. All women feel the need to indulge themselves on their whims every now and then, and not all of them have the chance to do so, as long as they depend on someone else for money.

Of course, it's not a question of housewife versus business leader. Women are now almost half of the nation's workforce, which means that most of them have a steady income source and are able to provide for themselves and their families. But this is not the kind of financial independence I'm talking about. I am referring to the cashflow that a profitable business can generate, to no longer depending on a monthly paycheck and to not being forced to give up on many of your wishes and ideals. And if we take into account the fact that a woman's average salary is around 75 percent of that of a man's, it makes all the more sense for women to consider owning a business.

Could it be that women business owners saw a challenge in starting their own businesses and being successful like so many men before them? This too is a plausible reason. Now that equality between sexes is no longer an issue (except for maybe some remote parts of the world), women have the opportunity to prove that they are just as capable as men when it comes to setting up and fueling the growth of a profitable business. Many have succeeded and a lot more are attempting to.

Flexibility at their workplace and family-friendly benefits are yet another reason why women are considering business ownership. It is very difficult for a working mom to find the perfect balance between family life and career. Very few companies allow for family leaves or sick days, and even fewer provide their employees with high quality childcare. It is only natural that women try to relieve these burdens and attempt to set up an environment where such benefits would no longer be an issue. Given the minuses of the current employment market, it is safe to say that many women have chosen to start a business as a lifestyle choice. Everyone would like to have the flexibility that comes with being self-employed. Under these circumstances, there is little wonder why the number of women-owned businesses has seen such an astounding growth over recent years.

As I stated earlier, most women are the managers of their household and families. Statistics show that approximately three quarters of the decisions regarding purchases for the household are made by women. And in most cases, they do a great job managing everything around the house. Many women have decided to take a step forward and use this innate talent or acquired skill of juggling multiple tasks simultaneously, with the purpose of running a business of their own. The number of women starting businesses nowadays is almost three times the rate of men. Whatever the reasons for this growth may be, I am certain of one thing-we should all welcome this rise in the number of women-owned businesses for several reasons.

For one, women are more oriented towards communication than men and more likely to build stronger relationships with everyone around them, including the people they work with. Women feel the need to be part of a community more than men do, and a working community led by a woman is therefore more likely to be based on friendship and support.

Moreover, in most cases, women-owned businesses are closer to the kind of company that respects its employees' needs. All the benefits I was mentioned earlier (sick leaves, daycare and family leaves) are more likely to be found in women-owned businesses.

All in all, not everyone might think that the days of women as housewives are long gone, but the statistics beg to differ. Women start businesses in such record numbers that it is safe to say that women-owned businesses will play a major part in the recovery of the economy.

Christine is an independent marketer with The Trump Network. She is a mompreneur and lives with her four children and boyfriend in Malibu, California. For more information, please email Christine@ChristineSyquia.com.

Celebrating Women - National Women's History Month

The roots of National Women's History Month began March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions. International Women's Day was first observed in 1909.

The public celebration of women's history began in 1978 as "Women's History Week" in Sonoma County, California. The week including March 8, International Women's Day, was selected. In 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD.) co-sponsored a joint Congressional resolution proclaiming a national Women's History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and March was declared Women's History Month.

Interesting Statistics:

o Thirty-seven percent of women sixteen or older work in management, professional and related occupations, compared with thirty-one percent of men.

o Revenue for women-owned businesses in 2002 reached more than $939 billion--fifteen percent higher than 1997. There were 116,985 women owned firms with receipts of $1 million or more.

o As of November 1, 2006, there are 152 million females in the United States. That exceeds the number of males (148 million) by 4 million.

o The median annual earnings of women sixteen or older who worked year-round is $32,168 in 2005. Women earned seventy-seven cents for every dollar earned by men.

Two major factors contributed to the emergence of women's history. The women's movement of the sixties caused women to question their invisibility in traditional American history texts. The movement also raised the aspirations as well as the opportunities of women, and produced a growing number of female historians. Carroll Smith-Rosenberg, one of the early women's historians, stated, "...without question, our first inspiration was political. Aroused by feminist charges of economic and political discrimination . . . we turned to our history to trace the origins of women's second-class status."

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Life Coach, Hypnotherapist, Author, "101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life." Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net