This week has brought good news to the forefront for those at risk for breast cancer.
On Monday, the federal health care officials announced the bone drug raloxifene (Evista) as another drug that aids in preventing invasive breast cancer. It is said to be just as good as tamoxifen in significantly reducing the risk of breast cancer for high-risk women.
Studies have shown raloxifene can reduce the risk of cancer by 50 percent.
Ed Board hopes the Food and Drug Administration finds the same results and approves it as quickly as it can to give more hope to women at risk of breast cancer.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Half of all men and one third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetimes, according to the American Cancer Society. Those are some powerful and scary statistics. Chances are someone close to you or someone you know of has cancer or has had it.
Remember there is still no cure, though medical research has made significant progress in helping early detection and prevention. There are several factors that cause the deadly disease. A healthy lifestyle and diet are ways you can reduce your risk. Research has advanced so far that scientists are able to perform genetic testing, which can pinpoint the cancer-carrying gene you may have inherited from a relative. Amazing stuff, huh?
Ed Board cautions testing is expensive and could backfire when you apply for health care insurance. We suggest you consult a health care specialist and ask all the right questions. If you are looking to talk with a show support for those who have been affected by cancer, tonight you will have a chance.
Relay for Life kicks off tonight for a full 24 hours beginning at 7 on the Boulevard. This is a perfect opportunity to remember those who have lost the battle with cancer and those who are still fighting. You can purchase a luminary to remember someone, join a relay team or drop by to show some support. There will be survivors, those battling cancer, along with friends and family joining together.
Ed Board believes this is a great chance for the community to come together for a cause that needs as much attention and support as it can get. All proceeds go the American Cancer Society.