Pink Belt Revolution!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  It's likely that we all know someone who's fighting this battle - it could be your mom, aunt, sister, grandma or your friend.  Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second-most common cancer overall.  Per the Susan G Komen For the Cure website, in 2015, an estimated 231,840 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. alone. So no matter who you are or where you live, understanding breast cancer is important. And a very important thing to know is this:  a diagnosis is not a death sentence.  Breast cancer can be treated.

While there’s no foolproof way to prevent it, there are things you can do that may reduce your risk of getting it, primarily by maintaining healthy lifestyle choices. And it is recommended that age 40 is the usual starting age to consider getting yearly mammograms. While breast cancer risk is generally much lower among younger women, certain genetic factors can put some women at a higher risk. If breast cancer is in your family's history, it is recommended to go sooner than age 40.

Due to the use of regular mammography screening, most breast cancers in the U.S. are found at an early stage, before signs appear. And be aware that every woman can have different signs of breast cancer. However, not all breast cancers are found through mammography, so it is important to do self-checks at home.

Wearing the pink karate belts at AMAA this month of October, shows our support for the women battling this disease, along with their friends and family. It's important for them to know that they're not battling this alone, and to never give up hope! AMAA's aim is that all the pink belts will bring awareness to everyone about breast cancer. On October 14th, from 6:30-8:30pm, our entire    student body will be joining us for a special night to raise awareness - there will be special workouts with Shihan (for all ages), free food & refreshments, special guests, and fun! Please mark your calendar to join us...we are looking for 100% STUDENT PARTICIPATION!

AMAA would like to thank everyone who has donated to this worthy cause and is wearing their pink belts proudly in classes. I encourage everyone to keep donating to the Susan G Komen Foundation to help find a cure and to never give up hope!

Thank you,

Miss Jacqueline Starkman