Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • October 21, 2009 National Breast CancerAwareness Month (ARA) Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. It seems everyone has a story to share due to the prevalence of this disease. “My mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, so I’ve come to truly learn the importance of education and early detection,” says Carrie Ann Inaba, “Dancing with the Stars” judge. “A lot of women don’t know that when breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent.” Breast cancer is considered a heterogeneous disease: differing by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumors. Women can do many things to lower their risk of breast cancer, including getting regular exercise, following a healthy diet, and cutting back on -- or eliminating -- alcohol intake and smoking. Conducting a breast self-exam at least once a month is important for all women. After the age of 35, women should get a mammogram once a year. If a lump is discovered, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Eight out of 10 breast lumps are benign, or not cancerous. But the only way to know for sure is to speak with a physician. Take charge of your health by performing routine breast self-exams and scheduling regular mammograms. Having trouble remembering how often you should do these? You’re not alone, but there’s an easy way to remember. As part of Procter & Gamble’s partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc., the GIVE HOPE program educates women about breast cancer in hopes of saving lives. Visit www.mypinkplan.com to learn more and use an interactive online tool to create a customized early detection plan using e-mails, text messages, RSS feeds and/ or calendars for clinical and self-exam reminders. Take charge of your health FRIGHTENED... SEASONAL COMMUNITY DON’T BE AND GET THE H1N1 FLU FACTS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28 6 TO 8 p.m. FORUM Let the healthcare experts from Hackensack University Medical Center and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital ease your fears. Please join us for an evening of questions and answers about H1N1 and the Seasonal Flu. HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL PLAZA Palm Court, 20 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601 Space is limited for this free program. Registration is required. PLEASE CALL 201-996-3760 TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY. PREVENTION IS THE BEST DEFENSE • GET VACCINATION INFORMATION KNOW THE SYMPTOMS • PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY Hackensack University Medical Center Proudly serving the community since 1888. www.humc.com