Studies have shown that many gynecological cancers can be prevented or even cured if detected early. Every year, almost 10,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer and about 3,500 women die from it. It is imperative that women are aware of their chances of developing cancer. As Miss International 2008 I will educate young women through out the nation to live a life that will either prevent or aide early detection of female cancers. Young women, like myself, underestimate how our daily choices have an impact on our future health. There needs to be more emphasis on the importance of prevention and early detection for women in their late teens and early twenties. I intend to spread the message of prevention and early detection during the year of my reign.
Three Step Program to Living Everyday Pink:
1. A Healthy Diet
Studies have shown a healthy diet low in fat/saturated fat and filled with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce your risk. Also, alcohol can lead to more estrogen in the body which can raise your risk of developing cancer.
2. Embrace Good Habits
Stop smoking! Some studies have linked smoking to developing gynecological cancers. Exercising daily and maintaining a low to normal weight can tremendously decrease the likelihood of getting caner. Lastly, women should be performing monthly breast self-examinations (BSEs). BSEs are easy to perform, free, and can help women detect cancer at an early stage. The American Cancer Society recommends these self-exams for every woman over the age of 20.
3. Be Aware of Health Care Options
Most young women are unaware of the health care options to detect cancer. Since mammograms are generally for older women, young women still have the option of ultrasounds which can easily detect signs of tumors or anything irregular in the breast. Annual pap smears are a necessity when trying to detect signs of all gynecological cancers.In the United States, the Pap test saves the lives of 70% of the women who might have died from cervical cancer without the test. Studies have shown that the use of oral contraceptives can reduce women’s risk of developing any of the four female cancers. The use of vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer, and the cervical cancer vaccine can lower the risk of developing this particular type of cancer.
For more information on prevention of Cervical Cancer go to http://www.cervicalcancercampaign.org/ccfacts/vaccine.html .
Visit the Gynecological Cancer Foundation's website at www.thegcf.org to learn more about gynecological cancers and how you can prevent getting cancer!
Visit the Woman's Cancer Network developed by the Gynecological Cancer Foundation. This network offers Confidential gynecologic (ovarian, endometrial, cervical) and breast cancer risk assessment, SGO/GCF member directory by name/state, Links to other sources of cancer information and a Bookstore.
Take the cancer risk assesment developed by the cancer experts that will help you identify your risk level of getting any type of female cancers. Go to http://www.wcn.org/interior.cfm?diseaseid=13&featureid=3 . 
