In honor of breast cancer awareness month, find the closest person you know who is a breast cancer "liver,"  and HUG them. (somehow the word survivor implies they may not outlive us, and most people we know that have breast cancer have healthier lifestyles than we do.)

Ladies - this includes men. They need extra hugs as they navigate their way through a sea of pink.  Can you imagine how lonely and self-conscious we would feel, if we were diagnosed with prostate or testicular cancer?

After the hugs, a few tips for supporting breast cancer "livers"

 - Do not look sadly at those who have lived with a diagnosis of breast cancer, as if they need pity.  Instead, notice and comment on the changes they have made in their lives since they were diagnosed, changes more compatible with long-term survival than the rest of us!  

 - If you know a man that has had breast cancer, toss your pink ribbon for a blue one

 - Demonstrate you care by doing things in your own life to reduce your risk of cancer

 - Be cheerful.  If you have a hard time not revealing your sadness (yes, there are times for that), think of how your friend with breast cancer is living life more fully, and how you should be pitying yourself instead!

For those who live in the Midwest, a great conference is happening Saturday October 6th at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  For details check out www.bcaamn.org. This conference includes the gamut from traditional to holistic care to prevention, complete with a fashion show featuring both men and women who are living to the fullest after a diagnosis of breast cancer.  If you know of anyone, who knows anybody, that knows anyone who has lived with breast cancer - let them know!




For those that have not experienced the diagnosis of breast cancer, there are many things we can do to prevent it.  Check out www.avoidcancernow.com for more information.