No initiative more clearly illustrates the strength in coming together around a cause and the results that can be achieved as does Lee’s National Denim Day. One day per year, companies sign up to participate in this fundraising campaign, the proceeds of which go towards the fight to eradicate breast cancer. Employers agree to allow employees to pay five dollars or more to wear jeans to work, ending with all monies collected getting donated to the American Cancer Society.

This year, National Denim Day fell on Friday October 3^rd. The Steinger, Greene & Feiner firm family, who participate each year, embraced the cause, doubled their donations from last year, and through a coordinated and concerted effort were able to contribute $5,030! According to a firm partner “Susan Haywood, a 17 year employee, from the first year of our firm, is an incredible person, and the spearhead at SIG in Breast Cancer Awareness.” Susan and all of the anti-cancer warriors who participated this year are applauded for their phenomenal efforts and achievement.

Though the American Cancer Society and other organizations are raising money to contribute to research and prevention, breast cancer continues to affect countless lives each year. We would be remiss if we did not share with you the depth and breadth of the reach of the breast cancer diagnosis in the United States.

Breast Cancer Statistics 2014

• 232,670 new invasive breast cancer cases will be diagnosed this year
• 62,570 will be diagnosed in the earliest stages
• 40,000 women will die from breast cancer
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women
• There are approximately 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States
• Men are not immune:

• An estimated 2,360 cases will be diagnosed this year
• Approximately 430 men will die from breast cancer

The statistics are staggering, making it that much more important to learn as much as you can and implement as many prevention and early detection measures as possible.

Prevention

• Smoking increases the risk of all forms of cancer; find a way to quit
• Limit alcohol intake
• If you don’t have one in place already, start an exercise regimen
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Follow a diet high in vegetables and fruits and low in processed foods, including processed meats

Early Detection

• Perform breast self-examinations and consult a doctor if you notice lumps or other changes in your breast tissue
• In your 20s and 30s schedule clinical breast examinations every three years
• In your 40s schedule annual breast exams and mammograms
• If you have a family history of breast cancer, it is imperative that you share as much information as possible with your healthcare professional to look into genetic testing or possible prevention therapies

The warning signs and symptoms vary by individual, so it is important to know your body and what is normal for you. If you experience pain, itching, rashes, changes in breast size, or any other symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.

The sad reality is that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. The Steinger, Greene & Feiner family encourages everyone to ‘Join the Movement’ and do their part to transition breast cancer sufferers to breast cancer survivors.

We are thankful to our extended office family in Florida for their participation in and support of the movement to stop breast cancer from devastating the lives of our mothers, sisters, daughters, and other loved-ones.

Photo Credit: http://www.denimday.com/