Did you know that each year,
182,000 women are diagnosed
with breast cancer and 43,300
die? One woman in eight either
has or will develop breast
cancer in her lifetime. In
addition, 1,600 men will be
diagnosed with breast cancer
and 400 will die this year.
The above statistics are scary
to say the least. If you have
loved ones or friends that
have been diagnosed with breast
cancer, I am sure you've often
wondered what, if anything,
you can do to help them.
Here are some gifts that are
appropriate for cancer patients,
and their families to give
encouragement, and support.
Probably one of the most important
gifts you can offer, is the
gift of your time: time to
listen, and time to be with
them as they accept the fact
that they have cancer, and
go through their treatment.
A small journal is another
idea: they can put on paper
their thoughts, their struggles,
and their accomplishments
as they fight this battle.
A book of inspiring, encouraging
words will do wonders for
their soul. One suggestion
would be Chicken Soup for
the Surviving Soul: 101 Stories
of Courage and Inspiration
from Those Who Have Survived
Cancer.
Don't forget a nice teddy
bear they can hug, and a CD
of soft, comforting, music.
Some cancer patients develop
sensitivity to fragrance,
so please stay away from scented
items.
Again, remember that at times,
all they need is to have someone
to talk to, or hold their
hand: be there for them!
For your information:
If detected early, the five-year
survival rate for breast cancer
exceeds 95%. Mammograms are
among the best early detection
methods, yet 13 million U.S.
women 40 years of age or older
have never had a mammogram.
Don't miss your mammogram
this year. Several national
organizations will have a
list of the facilities that
participate in National Mammography
Day. To find a place near
you, call:
American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345
The Susan G. Komen Breast
Cancer Foundation
1-800-IM-AWARE
National Alliance of Breast
Cancer Organizations (NABCO)
1-888-80-NABCO
National Cancer Institute
1-800-4-CANCER
Y-ME National Breast Cancer
Organization
1-800-221-2141
Adriana Copaceanu provides
people with creative gift
ideas that don't blow the
bank. Gift Baskets for Baby
to Birthday and Beyond, are
just some gift ideas you'll
find at her site: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com.
Want regular reminders on
gift-giving? Sign up for her
free monthly newsletter at
http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm
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