In your lifetime, you will encounter someone who has suffered from some form of cancer. This individual may be part of your immediate family, an extended family member, a friend, neighbor or a mere acquaintance. Earlier this year, we lost a colleague to breast cancer. She battled the disease for five years, but could not hold on any longer. She left behind, a young husband and three young children. About a month later, one of my friends lost his battle to cancer. My friend, who was so full of energy, left behind a loving wife and three young children. It breaks my heart, to think that his life was cut so short by this deadly disease. Barely a week after my friend’s death, another friend lost her brother-in-law to cancer within six weeks of being diagnosed. Cancer has brought such sorrow to many households. My heart goes out to all who are battling this disease. I wish you comfort, courage, strength and success as you fight this good fight.

One way or the other we all need to educate ourselves about cancer. Our knowledge empowers us with the courage to reduce our risk, fight the disease as well as contribute towards a cure.
Over the weekend, I read several articles on the topic of breast cancer. Although some of the stories were heart wrenching, I stumbled across a few stories that offered hope and advice. In as much as breast cancer is a woman’s disease, we need to recognize that the disease could strike our children and our men. We may not be able to prevent the occurrence of the disease. However, as long as we have the breadth and the will, we can continue to work towards reducing our risk, fight the disease as well as contribute towards a cure. Please find below, some stories on the risk reduction and treatment of breast cancer:

• Empower yourself by reading about 25 Breast cancer myths and understandings
• Knowledge is power: 8 ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer
• Learn the facts: Breast cancer treatment and side effects
• Sustain a healthy lifestyle: Healthy habits prevent many breast tumors
• Inspirational story on life after breast cancer: After breast cancer, they can rebuild me
• Once there is life, there is hope. Visit the Pink Ribbon Shop for Breast cancer survival stories
• Not your average breast cancer patient from Dr. Manny Alvarez of Fox News – Watch  

Wishing us all the very best of luck as we continue to search for a cure.