Breast Cancer Challenges

Obesity raises the risk of various types of cancer. And only 3% people know that obesity increases cancer risks. According to a recent research based on one million Americans conducted by the American cancer society, 14% of cancer deaths in men and 20% of cancer deaths in women occur due to Obesity. Scientists say that 90,000 deaths can be avoided in America if they take good care to maintain their body weight. Women are more likely to get cancer in their breasts, gallbladder, ovaries, colon and cervix while men get cancer in colon and rectum.

Breast cancer in women: There are more than 200 different types of cancer, but together breast, lung, bowel and prostate cancer cover half of the cancer cases. Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in females. Overweight and obesity are the major causes of breast cancer.

Obesity and Breast cancer risk in females: Obese women have higher amounts of estrogen in their body. Estrogen is mainly produced from the fatty tissues and more amount of fat in your body means you have higher chances of getting affected by breast cancer. Good nutrition, healthy living conditions and a fine environment may help girls to start puberty earlier in life and attain menopause later. Estrogen develops though out the fertility period. And better levels of estrogen in the body increases the risk of breast cancer in women.

Breast cancer in men: Breast cancer is generally found in females but it is also seen in males. Recent research shows that breast cancer among males is also on the increase. And obesity is one of its main causes. In males too estrogen is responsible for breast cancer.

Obesity and breast cancer: •Obesity affects both the development and progression of breast cancer. •Post menopausal cancer risk is higher among obese women. •Breast cancer mortality is higher in obese women. •Body weight measured at different times during life also causes breast cancer.

There are thousands of breast cancer organizations nationwide asking for donations to help the cause, but where exactly do all those proceeds go?

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) puts their money toward helping affected women and giving them educational resources.

“Eighty-six percent of our proceeds go towards programs, patient services, mammograms and research,” Diana Trieu, Data Coordinator for NBCF, said.

“The other 14 percent goes towards fundraising and management.”

Trieu explained that the 86 percent includes breast cancer education programs and other awareness materials such as the “Early Detection Plan” and “Beyond the Shock.”

The foundation constantly works with hospitals they have partnerships with in order to assist women in getting mammograms.

They also encourage perspective donors to contribute $100 so women can get their mammograms for free.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is another well-known organization that partners with Zumba for the “Party in Pink” charity event.

This event is held in many locations across the nation, including the Four Seasons in Bloomington, to raise money for the Zumba Global Research Grant for Breast Cancer Prevention.

“We are asking for a $10 donation for those who participate, but it is not required,” Cassandra Newman, marketing and PR specialist for the Four Seasons, said.

“We will also be selling pink ‘Zumba On’ T-shirts.”

Part of donations will fund a study administered by Komen and be led by a team of distinguished scientists.

The study will look at the effects of a compound in flaxseed called lignin on pre-menopausal women in order to find a safe and low costing solution to breast cancer prevention.

The Young Survival Coalition is another organization that aims to help young women who are affected by breast cancer.

The coalition does a variety of programs and provides free resource kits that give women a rundown of their diagnosis whether they are newly diagnosed or survivors.

Erin Hawkins, manager at the New York office, said a lot of the coalition’s proceeds go towards an annual conference.

The conference gives 500-600 women the opportunity to attend free workshops and seminars.

There are also classes, training and support groups provided.

To donate to any of the listed organizations, visit their websites: nationalbreastcancer.org, komen.org, youngsurvival.org.

Breast Cancer and Obesity

Donations aid the battle against breast cancer