Nearly 1 out of every 5 women in the US smokes.  As alarming as this statistic is, women are now starting to smoke at younger ages.  This year, lung cancer will claim more lives of women than breast cancer.  Tobacco causes more deaths than motor vehicle deaths, AIDS, suicides, murders, and alcohol related fatalities COMBINED!

Ugly side effects of smoking include cancer, bad breath, yellow teeth, increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, osteoporosis, infertility, and birth defects.  These things should be enough to scare any woman! Knowing all of this, how can we get women to stop smoking?  What is the best way to stop smoking now?

Endng the cigarette addiction is easier said than done for many women.  When you first stop smoking, you may feel very strange.  You may feel dull, tense, even not yourself.  At this point, your body is getting used to not having the nicotine.  This will usually last for a week or two.

Many women start smoking again at some point during this period because they want to feel better.  During this time, the feelings of withdrawl are the strongest.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved various medicines designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and urges.  These include nicotine gum, inhalers, tablets, nose sprays, skin patches, pills, Bupropion pills, and Varenicline pills.  Using these medicines can double your chances of quitting forever.

For a limited time, Miracet is offering a free trial of it’s stop smoking aid.  You simply pay for shipping.   They are also including a  “Stop Smoking Relaxation” mp3 download, as well as money back guarantee.   I’m not sure how long the offer will still be available, but it’s worth checking out this stop smoking program.

Get A Free Trial Of The Miracet Stop Smoking Aid

Here are government organizations ready to help you to stop smoking now…

National Cancer Institutes “Quitline” – 1-877-44U-QUIT

National Cancer Institute – http://www.cancer.gov/

National Tobacco Quitline – http://www.smokefree.gov

Nicotine Anonymous – http://www.nicotine-anonymous.org/

If you’re a smoker, please make the decision to stop smoking now.  If you know someone  who smokes, please pass this information along.

Till next time!

Heather

P.S.  Here’s a great stop smoking tip…

Ask for support from family, friends, and coworkers!  Studies show that you are much more likely to quit smoking if you have help.  Let everyone know the date you’ll be quitting.    Ask them to please not smoke around you or leave cigarettes out.   Be sure to watch this blog for more stop smoking tips for the best way to stop smoking!

heather at womenshealthquestions.org

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign put on each October by breast cancer charities.   The goal is to increase awareness and faise funds in the fight against breast cancer.  AstraZeneca, which manufactures breast cancer drugs, started the event back in 1985.  Since then, many other foundations and charities have joined in the fight. 

 In 1993, Evelyn Lauder (of the Estee’ Lauder company) founded the Breast Cancer Reasearch Foundation and established the “pink ribbon”, the symbol we all recognize today.   This wasn’t the first use of the pink ribbon though.  In 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation passed out pink ribbons during it’s breast cancer survivors charity race in New York City.

So why is this such an important fight?

The facts are startling.  Breast cancer will affect one in 8 women during their lifetimes.  Most of us will either know or have known someone with breast cancer.  It is the second leading cancer killer of women in the US (behind lung cancer).

There’s good news though.  With proper screening, most women who get breast cancer will survive.   Breast cancer is very treatable when found early, and often times, even curable.

What is the best way to detect breast cancer early?

A procedure called a mammogram, along with an exam by your doctor, is the most effective way for detecting early breast cancer.

Many women prefer to do their own breast self exams (BSE’s).  Studies to date have NOT shown that these BSE’s have reduced the number of deaths from breast cancer.  Also, womens breasts will change over time due  to pregnancy, menopause, hormones, birth control pills, and other factors.  It can be normal for some women’s breasts to feel hard or lumpy.  Always be sure to let your doctor know if you notice any changes in your breasts.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Symptoms of breast cancer can include:

• A lump in or near your breast (also under your arm)
• Any changes to your breast skin, nipple, or areola ( including itching, scaling, redness, dimples, etc).
• Nipple discharge (doesn’t include breastmilk)
• A change in the shape or size of your breast
• Thick or firm tissue in or around your breast (also under your arm)
• Changes to your nipple (for example, a nipple that becomes inverted)
  

*Keep in mind, any of these things doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer.  The only way to know for sure is to have a medical exam and mammogram*

How does a mammogram work and how often should you have one done?

A mammogram is a special X-Ray machine designed to detect cancers in your breast.  There are two types of mammograms, a screening mammogram, and a diagnostic mammogram.  The screening mammogram is done for women with no symptoms of breast cancer.   It can detect lumps or tumors that cannot be felt.  A diagnostic mammogram is a much more detailed mammogram that is used after a lump or other symptom has been discovered.

Normally, you will stand in front of the X-ray machine and place your breasts inbetween the X-ray plate and a plastic plate.  The breasts are then compacted so the machine can get better images.  You may feel slight pressure and discomfort, but it only lasts a few seconds.  Uusually two pictures are taken of each breast (from the top and side angles). From start to finish, the procedure is only about 20 minutes.

Women over 40 should have a mammogram done every 1-2 years.  If you have had breast cancer, breast issues, or have a family history of breast cancer, you may need to get mammograms done before 40, or more frequently.  Be sure to talk with your doctor about how often and when you should start having regular mammograms.

For more information about breast cancer and mammograms, please contact the following organizations:

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
800) 232-4636
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/

American Cancer Society
(800) 227-2345
http://www.cancer.org/

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
(877) 465-6636
http://www.komen.org/

National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service
(800) 422-6237; (800) 4-CANCER
http://cis.nci.nih.gov/

Let’s make this October 2009 the best Breast Cancer Awareness Month yet!