Did you answer breast cancer or just cancer? Breast cancer, along with other cancers, is certainly a concern and requires constant vigilance. However, according to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women over the age of 25. Of the women who die, one in 29 die of breast cancer. About one out of every 2.4 women die of heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular diseases.

Public awareness programs about breast cancer have been a great success. We have not been as successful in educating women about heart disease and stroke. In 1997, Yankelovich Partners, Inc., conducted a survey on behalf of the American Heart Association. It was entitled: Women and Heart Disease – A Study of Women's Awareness of and Attitudes Toward Heart Disease and Stroke. Their first conclusion was:

Most women do not recognize heart disease as a leading health problem and cause of death of women today. When asked on an unaided basis, cancer is identified by more than half as both the one greatest health problem facing women and the leading cause of death.

Most Heart Disease is preventable. Talk with your health care professional about your individual risks and what you can do to minimize your threat from heart disease.

The American Heart Association Web site (http://www.americanheart.org) has information that can help you understand your risk and lifestyle activities that can dramatically reduce your chance of heart disease.

Fredrick G. May
Physician Assistant, Certified

Fred is a Physician Assistant at Eagle River Family Practice, 694-4333. He is active in supporting the community as a member of the Alaska Disaster Medical Assistance Team and is a Fellow of the Alaska Academy of Physician Assistants.