A -year Drive To Put The Brakes On Breast Cancer

A -Year Drive To Put The Brakes On Breast Cancer

Summary: Breast cancer is a highly treatable disease that now has a survival rate of percent. Since early diagnosis is an important key to successful treatment, doctors say it's important that all women over the age of do a Breast Self-Exam (BSE) every month, two or three days after their menstrual cycle.

A -Year Drive To Put The Brakes On Breast Cancer

Article Body: Breast cancer is a highly treatable disease that now has a survival rate of percent. Yet more than , women are still diagnosed with the condition each year.

Since early diagnosis is an important key to successful treatment, doctors say it's important that all women over the age of do a Breast Self-Exam (BSE) every month, two or three days after their menstrual cycle. In addition, women between and should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years and women and older should have a mammogram every year.

For the past years, BMW of North America has worked with The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation-the largest fund-raiser for breast cancer research in America-to help spread the message of early detection and to help ensure that breast cancer research continues. The groups' Ultimate Drive program has raised millions to help fund the efforts.

The initiative, fully underwritten by BMW, consists of two fleets of specifically badged BMWs making a cross-country trek, stopping in communities along the way to hold daylong events. People will be invited to test-drive the cars-at no cost to the participants-to raise money for breast cancer research, education and screening treatment programs.

The car company donates $ directly to the Komen Foundation for each mile driven, along with whatever other proceeds are received from the program. Upon completion of every drive, each participant adds his or her own name to the Signature Vehicle-this year, a BMW -Series.

This year's goal is to raise over $ million, bringing the program's -year total up to over $ million. To help celebrate the initiative's th anniversary, the -stop cross-country trek has been expanded to include Alaska.

People can test-drive the cars to help fight breast cancer. They can also:

Regularly conduct BSEs, have clinical exams and mammograms

Stop smoking and stressing

Get more exercise

Cut or reduce their alcohol consumption

Watch their diet. Try to eat plenty of olive oil, fruits, vegetables, grains, fresh fish and poultry.