If you've been on the Hawk web site lately, you know 981TheHawk.com is pink all this month in honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

According to NationalBreastCancer.org, breast cancer affects both women and men.  Here are some sobering facts on breast cancer that you should be aware of:

  • One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
  • Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
  • Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.
  • Each year it is estimated that over 246,660 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
  • Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 440 will die each year.
  • On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes.
  • Over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the United States today.

My mom had breast cancer.  One of my sisters has also had a scare and has to watch her diet now more than ever.  So how important is diet to lessen the risk of getting breast cancer.  I would say very important.

Here are some thing, you can do to improve your diet:

First, a plant-based diet is your friend.  Same for exercise.  As with all general health recommendations, try to seat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day, eat whole grains and lean proteins and try to exercise 6 days a week for at least 30 minutes, like taking a brisk walk.

Turmeric is one of the spices that EveryDayHealth.com identifies as one of the best foods you can eat.  Turmeric is a warm spice found in a lot of Indian dishes and I do love the taste as I add it to veggies and in my cooking.  I also take it in capsule form everyday.

Other foods that should be on your grocery list include: fresh garlic, berries, broccoli, apples (organic if possible), fish (not fried), flaxseed, soybeans, orange fruits and veggies, walnuts, and pomegranates.

More From KISS 104.1