Breast Cancer Awareness: What can you do to beat the odds?

Beyond the fact that we as black women already have issues with our hair, fighting against our genes, etc. we also have to worry about breast cancer. Last year, National Public Radio (NPR), reported that African American women ages 35 to 44 have a death rate from breast cancer twice that of white women the same age. In fact, find out where YOU stand by taking the National Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Risk Assessment tool: http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/

So what can we do to reduce our risk? Here are some quick and easy tips that we gathered to keep the 'ladies' in check:

• Regular exercise. Just 45 minutes to an hour of cardio a day can help. Need more proof? A recent University study showed that black women who exercise drop their risk of breast cancer by 65%!


• Cut back on the alcohol. Instead that vino afterwork, snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa.


• Eat less red meat. Who doesn't love chicken?


• Increase your calcium.


• Reduce your fat intake and increase your veggies.


• Know your family history. The more you know if you breast cancer runs in your family, the more you and your doctor can work together to keep your breasts healthy.


• Be sure your doctor does an exam at least once every 3 years. And do a yearly self breast exam.

Need more? We found SELF magazine's(co-founder of the PINK ribbon) Women's (UnScary) Cancer Handbook Resource Guide.

*Photo Credit: Essence.com