Quick Break!

Hi everyone!  I'm going to be taking this week off.  It's my 7th wedding anniversary, so my hubby and I are having a "stay-cation" and are taking the week off of work.  We're planning day trips all around the Seattle area and because of my time off, I won't have the time (or motivation!) to give you all daily updates.

I'll be back on Monday, November 1st with plenty of new content.  I have a lot to tell you about, including:

• Review of body cream (now that cooler weather is headed our way!)
• Review of new shampoo/conditioner line
• Review of fun, organic soaps (and--hopefully!--a giveaway)
• More news on fall/winter trends
• Holiday gift ideas (yes, the holidays really ARE here!)
• Another "Getting Healthy" update
• and much, much more...

In the meantime, if you have any questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi, you can reach me a number of ways:

• Email (asklydia@hotmail.com)
• Twitter (miss_lydia)
• or just leave me a comment!

Have a great week and a happy Halloween.  Oh, and if you're a reader in the US, don't forget to VOTE!  There's a lot at stake in this election and I hope that no matter how you vote, you cast your ballot.  Women have a strong voice in the world of politics and we need to be heard!

Beauty Product of the Week: Grow Luscious Mascara

What is it? Revlon's Grow Luscious Mascara is a "lash enhancing formula that complements the natural growth cycle of your lashes and improves their overall appearance and condition with each use.  Lashes not only look instantly longer and lusher, they will also grow stronger day after day.  Includes an oversized lash-extending brush." Available at drugstores and big box stores for less than $8 a tube (I think I got it for about $5.50 on sale at Ulta!).

What did you think?  I do a LOT of mascara reviews.  And I'm fickle with my opinion.  Sometimes I love a tube only to hate it the next time I use it.  As of late, I have not been overly loyal to any one brand.  I'll bounce from a high-end, ultra expensive brand to a dirt cheap drugstore tube without batting an eye.  Sure, I have my favorites, but I no longer have a go-to mascara.  I guess I'm something of a mascara whore--I'll try anything once!

That doesn't mean that mascara is not important to me.  Far from it.  It's probably my favorite beauty product and I'd gladly forgo other eye products (like liner, etc.) as long as my mascara was perfectly applied.  Ideally, mascara gives you fuller, longer lashes and a better defined overall eye shape.  When it goes bad, though, it can be a clumpy mess.

I had mediocre hopes for Revlon's new lash conditioning Grow Luscious mascara.  I did not get it for it's promise to "grow" my lashes.  I got it because I wanted to try Revlon again (I hated the last mascara I tried from Revlon--their horribly awful Double Twist Mascara). 

So far, I think Grow Luscious is pretty decent.  My lashes look better with the mascara on then off, so it's doing something right.  It's dark and makes my lashes longer and slightly fuller.  I have not noticed any benefit in my lashes growing, but I think it will take some time for that to show.

The negatives?  The brush is big, big, big.  This is both good and bad.  Good because it's quick to apply....bad because it can be a bit messy.  I've noticed that I have to be careful not to get little smudges of mascara on my eyelids (I HATE THAT!).  Apart from that, it's completely, totally adequate.

The final verdict?  This is not a game-changing mascara.  It won't knock your socks off with the amazing length/thickness you get from it.  No.  Instead it will give you a decent look for a decent price.  It won't flake off and it will last a good long time.  It's a perfectly lovely, if unexciting, product.  And a huge step up from that pathetic Double Twist!

I Know It's Early, But...

Halloween hasn't even come yet, but already I'm getting info about holiday collections, stocking stuffer ideas, etc.  I know, I know...it's too early for this!  But check out the holiday collection that Nars just released--I'm sure it will have you looking forward to December!

The mood for the NARS Holiday 2010 Collection is audaciously bold. Just as in the Fall 2010 campaign, François Nars once again explores the many facets of his versatile muse Daphne Guinness. Her smoldering, cobalt-rimmed eyes, platinum hair and peach-glazed cheeks are captured not once, but in multiple kaleidoscopic images. According to François, “when you have Daphne Guinness for a campaign model, you just let her be who she is. Daphne fits the brand so well – she has such a modern approach to fashion and beauty.” Available now at www.narscosmetics.com, the highlights, including the very first NARS Trio Eyeshadow, are below:

• OKINAWA TRIO EYESHADOW, $45 - The first trio eyeshadow for the brand is a striking triad of black onyx, silver and cobalt blue
• ETRUSQUE SINGLE EYESHADOW, $23 - An antique gold hue reminiscent of Etruscan cast bronze art
• MELUSINE DUO EYESHADOW, $32 - An ultra-modern union of rich purple orchid and silver-spun lilac
• SEX APPEAL BLUSH, $26 - A soft peach blush, perfect for foolproof contouring
• PETIT MONSTRE LIPSTICK, $24 - A luxurious berry pigment with a satin finish
• LITTLE DARLING LIPSTICK, $24 - A classic, nude beige with a sheer finish
• DOWNTOWN LIP GLOSS, $24 – A metallic-pink lavender lip gloss that vibrates with party-perfect iridescence
• BOUGAINVILLE LIP GLOSS, $24 - A sensual pomegranate lip gloss that appears deep in pigment but sheer on the lips
• POKERFACE NAIL POLISH, $16 – A vibrant, magnetic, purple orchid
• BAD INFLUENCE NAIL POLISH, $16 - A smoky taupe nail polish that is a unique yet universal hue

Calling All Ghosts, Witches, Vampires, Zombies....

Halloween is creeping up on us and if you're planning on getting dressed up for the occasion, it's probably time to start planning out your costume. This Halloween is my seventh wedding anniversary (yes, I was a bride on Halloween back in '03...and yes, I did, in fact, wear black!) and I haven't dressed up to celebrate the day in a while.

If you need a little inspiration for your Halloween costume, hints on how to do your Halloween makeup, or Halloween/gothy decorating tips, here are a few sites to check out:

• Any Time Costumes
  
• Halloween Online Magazine
• All Hallow's Eve
  
• Ghoul Skool
• Zombie Makeup, 1
• Zombie Makeup, 2
• Zombie Makeup, 3
• Martha Stewart
• Gothic Martha Stewart

And for all of you who come to my site in search of how to apply makeup like the members of the rock band, KISS, click over to this site to see the evolution of their Kabuki-style makeup. KISS could be a fun, easy Halloween costume for you and a few friends this year!

Since I'm a Halloween freak, be sure to leave me a comment letting me know what you're going to be this year, or what your favorite costume has been!

More Freebies from Free Beauty Events!

I've mentioned the new site, Free Beauty Events, a few times on my blog and wanted to give you an update.  Each month, the site offers readers a chance to win some pretty fab-o beauty gear. Well, for the month of October ten winners will receive a University Medical AcneFree Sport Clear 2-Go Skin System. Consumers have until 10/31 to enter and winners will be chosen on 11/5/2010.

Beauty Addicts can visit www.freebeautyevents.com and enter their zip code to find out what makeover, gift with purchase, spa open houses and sampling events are happening near their home and can sign up to follow the site on Facebook and Twitter. In addition to listing in-store makeovers, Freebeautyevents.com also features a blog on product reviews (http://www.freebeautyevents.com/beauty-blog) and a monthly contest http://www.freebeautyevents.com/contest.

Head over there and check it out!

How to Wear It: Matte Lipstick

Matte lips, from NARS (for Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2011)

Matte Lipstick has been a big beauty trend for a while now.  And for good reason: super shiny (and super sticky!) lips can look a bit too...much at times.  Too much gloss has a tendency to look juvenile at best, cheap and oddly "blow-up doll" at worst. 

Matte lipsticks provide a nice alternative.  They give color without distracting shine, but those who have been known to overdo it on the gloss may have a hard time transitioning towards this trend.  There are ton of matte lipsticks on the market at all different price points, so there's no good excuse not to try them out.  The color also lasts longer, so you won't have to touch up quite so much. 

Here are some tips to pulling off matte lips this season:

1. Prep your lips!  Matte lipstick can be "chalky" to some users and it's a bit less forgiving then glossier offerings.  Exfoliate your lips daily--just gently run your toothbrush over your lips to remove dead skin cells.  You can also use a lip scrub, but why waste the money?  A little honey and sugar also help slough off dead skin, leaving your lips softer and not cracked.
2. Apply a light coat of moisturizer (note: not lip balm!) to your lips.  Or...try for a lip primer.  I'm not typically a fan of primers, but for matte lipsticks, they just might help.
3. Take your time and apply the matte lipcolor with care.  Use a lip brush for more precision.

What do you think of matte lipstick?  Is it something you can wear or do you find it too drying? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Attention NARS Fans!

Here's some exciting news: Nars is opening their very first flagship store! Here's the (brief) press release:

16 years after François Nars launched NARS Cosmetics, we are excited to announce the location of the brand’s first flagship boutique!

Located at 413 Bleecker Street, in New York City’s West Village, the store will open Spring 2011 and will feature exclusive items to the location. Stay tuned, more information to come...

Looks cute, no?  One more reason to go shopping in NYC!

A Few More for the Cure

Phew--what a week!  I don't know about you, but I am ready for the weekend to start.

To round up my second week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month info and products, here's a rundown of a few more products that are donating to BCA.

The following brands have pledged a portion of their proceeds with one goal in mind – to support breast cancer research and awareness. Take a moment to add some pink to your beauty routine and send a little love to your friends and family with a gift that gives back.

Go Straight While Giving Back
Keratin Complex “Think Pink” Flat Iron is a digitally controlled, high temperature flat iron is perfect for a gift with meaning. Keratin Complex partnered with Florida-based “Think Pink Rocks” organization to promote education pertaining to breast cancer awareness, treatment and testing. This adorable flat iron also comes with a convenient heat pouch so you can get great hair on-the-go!

• Price: $199
• Availability: www.KeratinComplex.com

Blushing for BCA
Celebrity makeup artist and NYC “Brow King”, Ramy, a cancer survivor himself, is showing his support with charitable contributions from the Shiksa Face Gloss – a vibrant, pink shade that delivers perfect and portable flawless color for eyes, cheeks and lips!

With the purchase of every Shiksa Face Gloss you too can look beautiful for a cause and reflect Ramy’s mantra of “minimum makeup, maximum impact” with 25% of proceeds during the month of October going directly to the “Young Survival Coalition” – the premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer.

• Price: $18.50
• Availability: www.Ramy.com

Look Good, Feel Better
Give cancer the kiss off with the pink Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System! Feel even better about your daily beauty routine by snagging the ultimate in deeply cleansed, brighter skin—with every purchase of this fashionable Mia, Clarisonic will donate $4 (and $5 for every pink Classic Pro or Plus) to Look Good…Feel Better, a national public service program dedicated to helping women offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment (60% of women who participate in Look Good…Feel Better have breast cancer).

• Price: $149
• Availability: www.Nordstrom.com

Tweeze For The Cure
To commemorate their commitment to the fight against Breast Cancer, Tweezerman introduces the new 2010 limited edition Slant® Tweezer – Precision in Pink. A cotton candy-pink background, adorned with the iconic BCA pink ribbon logo, is spangled with little flashy silver specks design. One dollar from the sale of each limited edition Precision in Pink will go to CancerCare as well as other Breast Cancer Awareness charities throughout the country.

• Price: $20
• Availability: www.Tweezerman.com

Blot For the Cure
Shine doesn’t stand a chance against boscia Rose Blotting Linens! Perfectly formulated to blot away excess oil, unwanted shine and perspiration without disturbing makeup, these conveniently sized linens are also infused with rose essence to soothe skin and uplift the psyche. What’s more— boscia donates 10% of sales of Rose Blotting Linens to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation (www.dslrf.org) to support breast cancer research.

• Price: $10
• Availability: www.Sephora.com

Get Glowing and HelpNoodle and Boo’s beautiful Love Light Candle is the perfect way to give back. Give Love, Give Light, Give Help to those in need. 50% off proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the month of October.

• Price: $24
• Availability: www.NoodleandBoo.com

Sip PINK For the CureTalkingRain, brewers of fresh, fruity, all-natural alternatives to plain old water and sugar-saturated sodas, invite you to sip “PINK” for the cure and help the fight against breast cancer. In the spirit of TalkingRain’s never ending mission to develop functional, healthy, innovative beverages, .25 cents per case of PINK™ sales will go to support various national and local breast cancer research, screening, education and awareness programs.

• Price: $.69 or 2 for a $1.00
• Availability: www.TalkingRain.com

Bubbling Over with Love
Glowology’s beautiful and soothing Bubbling Exfoliant is a luxurious way to smooth your skin while sending love to breast cancer research. 50% of the sale of each product will go directly the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

• Price: $12
• Availability: www.GlowologySkincare.com

Sephora Gives Back

Quick show of hands: who reading this blog loves Sephora?  Yup...looks like most of you have your hand raised.  I adore Sephora--it's like a toy store for makeup addicts!  I'm happy to report that our favorite store is giving back to Breast Cancer causes this month.

Here are the deets:

This October, Sephora is honoring women affected by breast cancer by offering pretty pink products that bring hope and add color to their lives. In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sephora has created five exclusive items and will donate $1 from the sale of each to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF): an organization dedicated to breast cancer prevention by finding a cure during our lifetime through funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

“Supporting a cause that impacts the lives of so many women is an honor for Sephora,” says Margarita Arriagada, Senior Vice President of Merchandising. “Beauty is much more than what’s on the surface; it’s about inner strength, empowerment and courage, and we are privileged to join the fight against breast cancer.”

Feel empowered with the color pink:


Sephora Collection Pop Up Hair Brush ($8)-The Sephora Pop-Up Travel Brush in an exclusive pink for Breast Cancer is the on-the-go beauty essential. With a slim case and handy mirror, it’s the desired size and shape for your purse, carry-on or travel makeup bag.


Sephora Collection Pink Color-to-Go Palette ($15) - Sephora’s signature limited edition palette is perfectly portable. Complete with eight wearable eyeshadows, four lip glosses and a blush to match any skin tone, it’s an indispensible kit to create any look.


Sephora Collection Pink Eyelash Curler ($16) – This precision engineered, pinch proof eyelash curler in pink goes beyond the basic stainless steel construction and silicone rubber pads with advanced technology and superior design to create the ultimate tool for wide open, professional-looking lashes.


Sephora Collection Compact Mirror ($18) – A pink rhinestone studded mirror for beauty touch ups for a good cause. This beautifully crafted metallic pink mirror offers dual magnification and comes with a protective organza pouch.

Go to Beautiful Lengths for BCA

Women with breast cancer typically undergo chemotherapy to try to save their lives.  But did you know that  58% of women consider hair loss to be the worst side effect of chemotherapy?  In fact, 8% of these women will potentially avoid life-saving treatment altogether due to this hair loss fear.  Wow--that seems a little crazy to me, but it's darn near impossible to say what you are and are not willing to go through when faced with big things like cancer, chemo, etc.

For Breast Cancer Awareness month this month, Pantene wants to continue inspiring people to make the kindest cut of all by donating their healthy hair for women who need it most through Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a campaign that helps provide free, real-hair wigs for women undergoing cancer treatment. Since 2006, more than 220,000 ponytails (that’s around 1,760,000 inches of hair!) have been generously cut for this cause and 6,304 wigs have been distributed.

Pantene is proud to announce the new look of its collection, Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths. In honor of the launch of the new look, Pantene is supporting the cause by donating $500,000 directly to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign, actively taking part in the fight against breast cancer by helping to create more wigs for cancer patients.

Here's some info about the collection.  I received some samples of these products and will report back soon.  My husband has lovely, insanely long hair that he cuts about once a year.  He's given to Locks of Love in the past--this year I'll have him check out Pantene Beautiful Lengths.  It's good to spread the hair love from time to time!

Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Collection

The customized shampoo and conditioner systems contain targeted damage protection to help prevent breakage so you can grow your hair longer, ideal for those preparing to make a generous donation! The system work to restore three common signs of damaged hair: roughness, dullness, and unruly frizz.

• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Breakage Defense Shampoo and Conditioner
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Shine Enhance Shampoo and Conditioner
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Frizz Control Shampoo and Conditioner
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Smoothing Balm
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Replenishing Mask
• Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Anti-Humidity Hairspray

Like I said, I'll report back on these products soon, but I think this is a pretty cool BCA/hair product tie in.  Good for Pantene!

Breast Cancer Awareness...Continued!

Since it's October, I'm devoting another week to Breast Cancer Awareness.  (Don't worry--I'll be returning to my normal posting soon enough!)  This week, I'll be telling you about a bunch of products that are giving back with special BCA promotions.  You're going to be buying beauty products anyway, so why not buy products that support women's health?

Today I'm focusing on Avon. The Avon Foundation for Women Campaign is launching a new crusade with Reese Witherspoon to “Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer” during the month of October. As a new symbol of empowerment, Avon and Reese are unveiling “Lips” to give the quest a little lip service, including:

• Lips for Life tote (above) – With 100% of the proceeds going to support the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.
• Avon and Reese are asking women to “PassTheKissOn” through a fun, customizable online widget that lets users send personalized messages – spoken by a pair of talking lips – to family and friends. The widget can be accessed by visiting www.PassTheKissOn.org (I'll have the widget on my sidebar all week).

Avon  has a history of being involved and committed to womens' issues like Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer awareness.  They were also the first major cosmetic company to announce a permanent end to animal testing on all of their own manufactured products. Plus their products are very good and are a decent price.  Nice! 

Thanks, Avon, for continuing the great work for women!

Fight Like a Woman

I love that tagline!  This fall, China Glaze is offering three new pink nail lacquers inspired by the women who fight breast cancer everyday and those that support them in their battle.

The three colors in “Fight Like A Woman” include:

Encouragement – A baby pink shimmer that brings on the cheer
Endurance – Power through the punches with this raspberry shimmer
Empowerment – Stand up tall with this cotton-candy crème on your nails

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization dedicated to the science of cancer and promoting international collaboration in cancer research.

The “Fight Like A Woman” Collection is available at professional beauty supply stores and select salons.

An Ounce of Prevention

Did you know that nearly 70% of all breast cancers are found through a breast self exam?  That's pretty amazing, since early detection can mean a 5-year survival rate of 98%.  That's incredible!

So here's my question for you: are you doing monthly breast self exams?  I try to remember to do this monthly, but to be perfectly honest, I sometimes forget.  The best thing to do is to preform a self breast exam one week after your period begins.  I have an app on my iphone that let's me track my periods...it also has a little reminder (that I do, at times, ignore) to do a breast exam.

Here are some tips on how to do it, what to look for, etc.(info from WebMD):

To do a breast self-examination, remove all your clothes above the waist and lie down. The examination is done while lying down so your breast tissue spreads evenly over your chest wall and is as thin as possible, making it much easier to feel all your breast tissue.

Use the pads of the three middle fingers of your left hand-not your fingertips-to check your right breast. Move your fingers slowly in small coin-sized circles.

Use three different levels of pressure to feel all of your breast tissue. Light pressure is needed to feel the tissue close to the skin surface. Medium pressure is used to feel a little deeper, and firm pressure is used to feel your tissue close to your breastbone and ribs. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. Use each pressure level to feel your breast tissue before moving on to the next spot.

Check your entire breast using a lengthwise strip pattern. Feel all of the tissue from the collarbone to the bra line and from the armpit to the breastbone. Start in the armpit and work down to the bottom of the bra line. Move one finger-width toward the middle and work up to the collarbone. Repeat until you have covered the entire breast. Repeat this procedure for your left breast.

You also can examine your breasts using a spiral pattern. Again, use three different levels of pressure to examine all your breast tissue. Avoid lifting your fingers away from the skin as you feel for lumps, unusual thicknesses, or changes of any kind.

REMEMBER: Most breast tissue has some lumps or thick tissue. When in doubt about a particular lump, check your other breast. If you find the same kind of lump in the same area on the other breast, both breasts are probably normal. Pay attention to any lump that feels much harder than the rest of your breast.

If you find anything that concerns you, schedule a visit with your health professional. The important thing is to learn what is normal for you and to report any changes to your health professional. Remember that most changes you find are not breast cancer but should be checked. These changes may include:

* Any new lump. It may or may not be painful to touch.
* Unusual thick areas.
* Sticky or bloody discharge from your nipples.
* Any changes in the skin of your breasts or nipples, such as puckering or dimpling.
* An unusual increase in the size of one breast.
* One breast unusually lower than the other.

Beauty for the Cause

Tons of companies are going to offer Breast Cancer Awareness promotions this month.  Be on the lookout for pink-themed products, but before you buy, make sure you know how much money will be given to finding a cure for breast cancer.  I'll be highlighting several products that are running BCA promos in October.  Here's a few to get us started!

Mission Skincare Pink Lemonade Lip Balmer SPF 15
Formulated to nourish, protect and deliver long-lasting hydration, Mission Skincare will donate $1.00 from the sale of each preservative and paraben-free Pink Lemonade Lip Balmer SPF 15 to the Young Survival Coalition - the premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer.

Price: $3.49
Availability: www.MISSIONSkincare.com

Red Flower Moisturizing Body Lotion in Japanese Peony
Rich in certified organic, biodynamic and wild-crafted ingredients, red flower’s moisturizing lotion in japanese peony is 100% biodegradable and free of all dyes, parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals and synthetic preservatives. Throughout the month of October, 100% of the profits from the red flower moisturizing body lotion in japanese peony will be donated to Cancer & Careers.

Price: $24.00
Availability: www.redflower.com
 

Antica Farmacista Home Ambiance Fragrance in Peonia, Gardenia & Rosa
Fill your home with a scent that gives back – Antica Farmacista Home Ambiance Fragrance in Peonia Romantico. Throughout the month of October, 100% of the profits from this floral bouquet of fragrance will go to the Cancer Support Community for breast cancer research - a new non-profit organization which formed in 2009 when the Gilda’s Club joined forces with The Wellness Community. Enjoying the finer elements of life never felt (or smelled) so good.

Price: $62.00
Availability: www.AnticaFarmacista.com

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I would say that my blog has gone pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but honestly?  It's pink around here all the time!

To get the message out about Breast Cancer, I'll be providing a lot of info on promos that cosmetic/beauty companies are running this month along with some health tips and resources.  Don't worry--I'll have plenty of beauty news for you as well throughout October.  In the meantime, sit back, get reading, and be sure to leave any comments you might have!

To start off this month, here are some facts about breast cancer (from the National Breast Cancer website--visit their site for TONS of info!):

Q: What is breast cancer?
A: Breast cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.

Q: How many new cases of breast cancer were estimated in the United States in 2009?
A: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States last year. Approximately 1,910 new cases are expected in men. The ACS also reports that an estimated 40,610 breast cancer deaths are expected in 2009 (40,170 women, 440 men).

Q: How common is breast cancer in the United States?
A: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, aside from skin cancer.

Q: What are the breast cancer "risk factors"?
A: To predict when and in whom breast cancer will occur, scientists must often think like detectives, looking for clues to signal which women may be more likely than others to develop the disease. These clues are called "risk factors."

To identify risk factors, scientists continually examine various trends and patterns among women worldwide who are diagnosed with the disease. Age, individual and family medical history, reproductive history, genetic alterations, race, economic status, environmental exposures to pollutants, and lifestyle habits are all examples of the factors that can be evaluated. This information tells a scientific story that helps experts predict with some certainty a woman's odds for developing breast cancer. It's important to note, however, that this is not an exact science and that such predictions are not definite.

Having one or two of these risk factors doesn't mean a woman will develop breast cancer. But knowing her personal risk factor profile and understanding what it means will help her and her doctor plan a course of action that may reduce her chances of developing the disease or, at least, to detect it in its earliest, most treatable stages.

The most common risk factors:

* Sex. The highest risk factor for breast cancer is being female; the disease is about 100 times more common among women.
* Age. The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman grows older. The risk is especially high for women age 60 and older. Breast cancer is uncommon in women younger than age 35, although it does occur. There is some evidence to suggest young African American women are at greater risk for breast cancer than young Caucasian women.
* Personal History. Women who have had breast cancer and women with a history of breast disease (not cancer, but a condition that may predispose them to cancer) may develop it again.
* Family History. The risk of developing breast cancer increases for a woman whose mother, sister, daughter, or two or more close relatives have had the disease. It is important to know how old they were at the time they were diagnosed.
* The Breast Cancer Genes. Some individuals, both women and men, may be born with an "alteration" (or change) in one of two genes that are important for regulating breast cell growth. Individuals who inherit an alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are at an "inherited" higher risk for breast cancer. They also may pass this alteration on to their children. It is very rare. Scientists estimate that only about 5-10 percent of all breast cancers are due to genetic changes. One out of two women with these changes are likely to develop breast cancer. Women with a family history of breast cancer are encouraged to speak to a genetics counselor to determine the pros and cons of genetic testing.

The next 5 risk factors all involve estrogen, a hormone that naturally occurs in men and women. However, at the time menstruation begins, women start to produce larger amounts of estrogen and will continue to do so until they reach menopause. Estrogen appears to play a key role in breast cancer. Although estrogen doesn't actually cause breast cancer, it may stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Estrogen-related risk factors are:

* Having an early menarche (first period or menstrual bleeding). Women who begin menstruating before age 12 are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. The more menstrual cycles a woman has over her lifetime, the more likely she is to get the disease.
* Having a first pregnancy after age 25 or 35. Although early pregnancies may help lower the chances of getting breast cancer, particularly before the age of 25, these same hormonal changes after age 35 may contribute to the incidence of breast cancer.
* Having no children. Women who experience continuous menstrual cycles until menopause are at a higher than average risk.
* Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Based on the Women's Health Initiative Study (2002), women do appear to have an increased risk of breast cancer while they are on HRT and a short time thereafter, compared to those who have never used postmenopausal HRT. This is based on a study of 16,000 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 who were taking either estrogen plus progestin as HRT or a placebo (an inactive pill).
* Use of Oral Contraceptives (OCs) and Breast Cancer. Current or former use of OCs among women ages 35 to 64 did not significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. The findings were similar for Caucasian and African-American women. Data also show that former OC use does not increase the risk of breast cancer later in life.


Other risk factors - and lifestyle choices to avoid them
Common to all women are daily lifestyle decisions that may affect breast cancer risk. These day-to-day choices involve factors such as poor diet, insufficient physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking. Besides possibly reducing breast cancer risk, lifestyle improvements represent smart steps for a healthier life, since they can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and many other chronic, life-threatening conditions.

* Decrease your daily fat intake - especially saturated or hydrogenated fats. Eat leaner meats and limit red meat. Reducing your fat intake helps prevent other health problems such as heart disease and stroke and may reduce your chance of developing breast and colon cancers.
* Increase fiber in your diet. Fiber is found in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. This type of diet is beneficial for your heart and can help prevent other cancers such as colon cancer.
* Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition to their fiber content, fruits and vegetables have antioxidant properties and micronutrients that may help prevent some cancers.
* Limit alcohol. Evidence suggests that a small increase in risk exists for women who average two or more drinks per day (beer, wine, and distilled liquor).
* Stay active. The U.S. Surgeon General has recently reported that you can help prevent many health problems by engaging in a moderate amount of physical activity (such as taking a brisk, 30-minute walk) on most days of the week. Strive to maintain the body weight recommended by a health professional, since excess fat may stimulate estrogen production.
* Don't smoke. Although smoking doesn't cause breast cancer, it can increase the chance of blood clots, heart disease, and other cancers that may spread to the breast.