Given the enormous influence of lifestyle factors on the breast health of European women, EUROPA DONNA - The European Breast Cancer Coalition, has declared 15 October 2008 the first annual Breast Health Day. The launch will involve a media event in Milan, featuring renowned international and European figures, and representatives from EUROPA DONNA's 41 member countries. The aim is for women and girls of all ages to have access to breast heath information and understand the influence lifestyle choices can have on their future health.

"Many women take their health for granted and do not realise that those extra kilos or that extra glass of wine can affect their breast health in the long term. Recent studies indicate that women who avoid being overweight reduce their risk of postmenopausal breast cancer," said Ingrid Kössler, President of EUROPA DONNA.

Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and eating nutritiously all help protect women's future health. It is important for women to limit their weight gain in adult life and maintain a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9. Postmenopausal obesity is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and overweight women have more abnormal mammogram readings than women of normal weight. This is of particular concern since, in the EU-27, an average of about 60% of women aged 55-64 and 37% of those aged 35-44 are overweight or obese.3 Adopting a healthy lifestyle could help protect against breast cancer and other diseases.

Growing evidence supports that there is a protective association between physical activity and breast cancer, preferably over a lifetime, but probably beneficial even if begun after menopause. Engaging in moderate exercise for at least 30-60 minutes every day can help maintain breast health.

Eating a well-balanced diet (with fat intake not exceeding 30%), including fresh fruit and vegetables in daily food choices and limiting intake of red meat, has numerous health benefits. Limiting alcohol intake to one glass of wine or beer a day ( 10 grams of alcohol or less per day) can can also help reduce the risks of breast cancer.

Mammography is widely accepted as the best method to detect breast cancer early. Studies show that women aged 50-69 who attend mammography screening reduce their risk of dying of breast cancer by about 35%.4

"Mammography screening should be conducted according to the recommendations in the European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis. When done properly, it saves women's lives. We need to prevent the disease through healthy lifestyles and to detect it as early as possible when it does occur in all countries across Europe," said Susan Knox, Executive Director.

From now on, Breast Health Day will take place every year on 15 October. Its purpose is to disseminate information concerning breast health and to raise awareness of prevention and early detection of breast cancer among women and girls across Europe.

About EUROPA DONNA

EUROPA DONNA - The European Breast Cancer Coalition - is an independent, non-profit organisation whose members are affiliated groups from countries throughout Europe. EUROPA DONNA works to raise public awareness of breast cancer and to mobilise the support of European women in pressing for improved breast cancer education, appropriate screening, optimal treatment and care and increased funding for research. Member countries currently number 41.

http://www.europadonna.org
http://www.breasthealthday.org

Article Date: 15 Sep 2008 - Medical News Today