BREAST CANCER

BREAST CANCER
Activities, tips
Today: East Liverpool Breast Cancer Support Group meeting, 7 p.m., Dawson Family Center, 220 W. Fifth St., East Liverpool.
Thursday and Oct. 27: Making Your Best Breast Health Plan, 11 a.m., Gazebo area, Eastwood Mall, Niles. There will be speakers and lessons on breast self-exams. Offered by Forum Health.
Saturday: Candlelight survivors ceremony, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Gazebo area, Eastwood Mall, Niles.
Saturday: Celebration of Life, 1 to 3 p.m., Old North Church, 7105 Herbert Road, Canfield.
Oct. 9: Celebration of Life, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Auluzio's Banquet Center, 4395 Youngstown Road, Warren.
All breast cancer survivors and their families may attend the educational programs Saturday and Oct. 9 about genetics and the potential risk of getting breast cancer. A complimentary meal will be provided. Call (888) 227-6446 to register. Offered by Forum Health, Humility of Mary Health Partners and Women's Health Advantage.
Oct. 13: Columbiana County Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon, noon, Columbiana County Career Center, 9364 state Route 45, Lisbon. A complimentary meal, activities for breast cancer survivors and their families, fashion show, speakers, raffle and auction are among activities. Call (888) 227-6446 to register.
Oct. 13: Pink Ribbon Gala, 6:30 p.m., Antone's Banquet Centre, 8578 Market St., Boardman. The dinner and auction is $125 per person. Call (888) 227-6446 to register.
Oct. 25: BEACON, Trumbull County breast cancer support group: 7 p.m., St. Joseph Health Center, Eastland Avenue S.E., Warren.
Oct. 31: Sisters Through Sharing, Northern Columbiana breast cancer support group: 6 p.m., Salem Public Library, 821 E. State St., Salem.
ACS GUIDELINES: EARLY DETECTION
Age 20-39: Clinical breast exam by a health care professional every three years; monthly self-exam.
Age 40 and older: Annual mammogram; clinical breast exam by a health care professional every three years; monthly self-exam.
FIVE THINGS TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS
All women are at risk for breast cancer, even those who have no family history of the disease.
The two greatest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.
Survival rates are high for women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, when the cancer is small and has not spread.
Smart strategies to reduce the risk of cancer include regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake.
Through early detection and improved treatment, more women than ever are beating breast cancer.