Well, it\u2019s October, which means cooler temperatures, ghosts and goblins, and football Saturdays and Sundays. \u00a0It also means it\u2019s National Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is signified by wearing pink. \u00a0This annual international health campaign was started to both increase the awareness of breast cancer, as well as to help raise funds to hopefully find a cure. \u00a0While research has come a long way, there is still much that needs to be done. \u00a0Shows of support can be seen everywhere, from the pink lighting of famous landmarks to numerous fund raising activities. Even the NFL has gotten in on the action.<\/p>\n
This terrible disease continues to impact those that we care about the most. \u00a0In fact, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. \u00a0It is the leading type of cancer in women, and is the second highest cause of death for them as well. \u00a0Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. \u00a0Although breast cancer in men\u00a0is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.<\/p>\n
With these jaw dropping statistics, the idea of early detection, as well as prevention are ever so important. \u00a0Monthly self exams, as well as routine screenings by a healthcare professional will aid in early detection of any possible issues.<\/p>\n
You\u2019re probably saying to yourself right about now, \u201cWow those are some really profound facts; but what on earth does this have to do with dentistry?\u201d \u00a0Interestingly enough, there has been a recent breakthrough linking dental health with breast cancer. \u00a0A recent study performed by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden on more than 3,000 patients showed those who had gum disease and tooth loss had more than 11 times greater risk of developing breast cancer. \u00a0Although this is the first study to show a link between gum disease and breast cancer, gum disease has also been associated with pancreatic cancer, heart disease, stroke, and premature and low-birth-weight babies. \u00a0Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria, and over time turns pink, healthy gums into a red, swollen, bleeding mess, and is the number one cause for tooth loss in adults in this country.<\/p>\n
So, in the theme of wearing pink as a show of support for those affected by breast cancer this month, make sure your gums join in on the action and are nice and pink \u2026 it may just save your life.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Well, it\u2019s October, which means cooler temperatures, ghosts and goblins, and football Saturdays and Sundays. \u00a0It also means it\u2019s National Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is signified by wearing pink. \u00a0This annual international health campaign was started to both increase the awareness of breast cancer, as well as to help raise funds to hopefully find […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n