We are now entering the month of October which is recognized nation-wide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women. Recent statistics show that the chance of developing an invasive breast cancer during a woman's life is less than 1 in 8.  Although statistics are down 2%, the American Cancer Society estimated for the year of 2009 in the United States that 192,370 new cases of breast cancer would be diagnosed and 40,170 women would die from breast cancer. With such an important cause, New Performance would like to endorse the efforts of national and local committees to steer all women and loved ones in the direction of breast health. Great emphasis should be placed on screening, early detection, diagnosis and treatment. While some of the risk factors for breast cancer are not within our control, such as gender, age or family history, there are some factors that are within our control, such as diet and exercise.  A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in sweets and processed meats, may help lower the risk of breast cancer. A prudent diet has been linked to a generally lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer -- an aggressive type of tumor that accounts for about one-third of breast cancers. Exercise has been shown to decrease hormone levels and help lower breast cancer risk and improve overall health. To find out more information on breast cancer resources and breast cancer foundations, visit the Los Angeles Breast Cancer Alliance or the National Breast Cancer Foundation.