In less than three short weeks, thousands of people will dress in pink and gather at Seattle Center on June 2 for the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Although breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, early detection leads to more treatment options and better chances for survival.

Here are three simple tips to lower your risk of breast cancer and help you keep your health in check:

1.       Know your risk

Talk to your family to learn about your family health history and consult with your provider to understand your personal risk of breast cancer.

2.       Get screened

With the roll out of healthcare reforms under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), did you know that women can receive free preventive health services?  Make sure you encourage women in your life to have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at age 20 and a mammogram every year starting at age 40. Also, be sure to check out LifeWise’s expanded covered preventive services for women – be proactive, stay healthy!*

For an easy checklist and more information, you can also print out the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Breast Self-Awareness card and a list of its full guidelines to reduce your risk.

3.       Make healthy lifestyle choices

Studies indicate that maintaining a healthy weight is one way to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Eating right and staying active can go a long way.

LifeWise Ambassador and breast cancer survivor Brenda Frost shares her story to inspire other women to keep their health in check.  And it’s not too late to get started! The registration deadline for the Race for the Cure 5K walk/run has been extended to May 28!

LifeWise members are eligible for free entries  and can stop by the LifeWise booth at the finish line for a free gift. Race for the Cure entries will go to the first 100 LifeWise members who email races@lifewisehealth.com with their name and Member ID number.

We hope to see you there!

*If you have a grandfathered plan (a plan which was in effect before March 23, 2010 and which may be exempt from many requirements of the ACA) these benefits may not apply to you. You should check your benefit booklet for full details of what may or may not be covered by your plan. For clarification about your particular benefit, contact LifeWise customer service at 800-592-6804.