To the Editor:
My name is Ayla Graney and I’m currently working on my Girl Scout Silver Award which is the highest award you can earn in my age group. To successfully complete this award, I must do six badge projects, complete fifteen hours of volunteer service and do a 40-hour project for my community.
One of the badges I have chosen has to do with making a difference in people’s lives. I chose “In the Pink,” which is a Breast Cancer badge.
In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’d like to share with the community what I’ve learned to increase awareness and encourage healthier living.
A small portion of our genes are directly involved in maintaining normal cell growth. If mutations occur within these genes they can eventually lead to cancer. If anyone in your immediate family has had breast cancer, your risk is increased. Most inherited causes of breast cancer have been associated with two genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2 (Breast Cancer 1 and 2). Women with breast cancer who have an abnormal BRCA gene often find a family history of breast/ovarian cancer.
There is no way to prevent breast cancer, but you can reduce the risk of getting it. By avoiding alcohol, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, your risk will go down. It’s also a good idea to fill out a chart with the food content you’ve eaten for one week. By taking this chart to a doctor or nurse, you can learn what foods are healthy for you and may help prevent cancer and which foods you should be avoiding.
One of the most important things to do is to get a mammogram! It can save your life. Men should be following all of these healthy practices as well, because, contrary to popular belief, men can get breast cancer, too.
Please do your part to join the fight against cancer! To learn more, visit www.cancer.org.
Thank you,
Ayla Graney
Hoosick Falls, NY