October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to create awareness of the disease. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, affecting more than 240,000 women in the United States each year.

During the month of October, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA encourages women to take control of their health and understand the risk factors attributed to breast cancer. Although some of the most significant risk factors are uncontrollable, there are a couple of key risk factors you can control, including:

Exercise and Diet

Exercising regularly is not only great for your physical health, but it can also lower your risk of breast cancer, according to Breastcancer.org.  And, developing a well-balanced diet will help to maintain a healthy weight.

If you have questions about physical fitness or your nutrition, make sure to speak with a member of our wellness team during your next visit.

Early Detection

It is important to receive regular health screenings to detect breast cancer early.   To learn more about preventative screenings, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider, who can better assess your individual health needs.

To learn more about breast cancer or how you can support women affected by breast cancer, be sure to visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s website.