DALLAS, Aug. 6 /EMWNews/ -- The thoughts and support of the entire

Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R) network are with Christina Applegate as she

undergoes treatment for breast cancer.



    



    Christina is a long-time supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure,

having championed the need for early detection through a number of

initiatives over the years. As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor,

she has been active in encouraging people to remain vigilant about breast

cancer screening. We were comforted to hear that Christina's cancer was

discovered early and her prognosis is good.



    Yet her diagnosis, at age 36, is a poignant reminder that breast cancer

can strike at any age, and therefore it is critically important to be aware

of your breast health, since we know early detection of breast cancer

greatly improves a person's odds of beating the disease.



    Women should understand their personal risks of the disease and the

benefits of lifestyle choices in terms of reducing the risk of breast

cancer. Women can decrease their risk of developing breast cancer by

avoiding excessive weight gain, limiting alcohol consumption and getting

regular exercise. Routine mammography for women age 40 and over has also

been shown to improve breast cancer survival.



    Breast cancer remains a common problem, but with a combination of early

detection and effective treatment, the vast majority of women will go on to

lead a long and healthy life. We trust this will be the case with

Christina.






    Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R) recommends that you:



    Know your risk



    -- Talk to your family to learn about your family health history

    -- Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer





    Get screened



    -- Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at

       higher risk

    -- Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average

       risk

    -- have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and

       every year starting at 40





    Know what is normal for you

    See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these

breast changes:






    -- Lump, hard knot or thickening

    -- Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening

    -- Change in the size or shape of the breast

    -- Dimpling or puckering of the skin

    -- Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple

    -- Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast

    -- Nipple discharge that starts suddenly

    -- New pain in one spot that doesn't go away





    Make healthy lifestyle choices



    -- Maintain a healthy weight

    -- Add exercise into your routine

    -- Limit alcohol intake

    About Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R)



    Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would

do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that

promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast

cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest

grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to

save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize

science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the

Cure, we have invested more than $1 billion to fulfill our promise,

becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight

against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G.

Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit

http://www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.