Think pink

It is breast cancer awareness month and the pink ribbons are out. The pink ribbon for breast cancer was founded by SELF, a Conde Nast health publication, for free distribution at Estee Lauder beauty counters 15 years ago, and since then giving away the ribbons became a means of spreading the message of awareness and prevention, not to mention a catalyst for raising millions of dollars of funds for research.

According to the data provided by the European Society for Medical Oncology, India has 79,000 new breast cancer cases every year. An oncologist at Hyderabad's Apollo Hospital said in a recent news report that one breast cancer case is detected in India every six and a half minutes. In February 2008, Delhi will host the first Asian Breast Cancer Congress in a bid to spread awareness.

Apparently not enough Indian women accept the idea of a mammogram yet. According to a handbook published by SELF, mammograms can detect about 85 per cent of breast cancers in women without symptoms "" and when cancer is discovered early, more than 98 per cent survive. If you are a healthy woman 40 or older, commit to yourself that you will get your annual mammogram. If you're in your 20s and 30s, a monthly self-exam is advised.

Although there isn't a prevention plan, certain foods build resistance to cancer, like fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, colourful berries and whole grains. And speaking of vegetables, a recent study from Michigan State University shows that diets rich in cabbage had a significant positive impact on reducing breast cancer risk. The phyto-oestrogen and antioxidant power in flax seed is raising its profile as an anti-cancer food. A healthy intake of fibre sweeps out toxins and and excess oestrogen from the body. Of course, a regular exercise routine is always beneficial; a leaner body and healthier diet cannot hurt.

Biocon recently won Indian regulatory approval to market breast cancer drug Abraxane in the country. And a brand new breast cancer prevention pill, Raloxifene, has US government approval. Ultimately, though, early detection is the only cure. Of course, the message has to be spread that breast cancer is not exclusively a woman's disease, because its rate of incidence among men is growing.

So go get yourself a pink ribbon, but remember it isn't a fashion statement "" it's a reminder to commit yourself to a healthy future.