$0 Joining Fee for New Members at Curves During October Breast Cancer Awareness Month Campaign

Online, September 26, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Curves fitness centers in the U.S. will focus on raising awareness about the life-saving importance of risk management, early detection and early treatment of breast cancer. Because women can help reduce their risk for breast cancer by staying in good health, Curves clubs nationwide are offering $0-joining-fee memberships from October 1 through October 14 to new members who show proof of a mammogram performed within the last year or who donate $25 to The American Cancer Society (ACS). In 2011, Curves clubs nationwide raised more than $1.7 million for the ACS.

The ACS estimates that nearly 226,870 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2012, and another 63,300 will be diagnosed with carcinoma in situ (CIS), a non-invasive, early form of breast cancer. Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer. More than 39,500 women will die from the disease in 2012. One woman in every eight will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.*

"Our annual Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign is an important part of the Curves mission to strengthen women," according to Curves founder Diane Heavin. "We offer a supportive, fun, non-competitive environment that encourages women to take time out from their role as caregivers to take care of themselves."

During October, Curves clubs will take a three-pronged approach to raising awareness about this devastating disease:

1. Early Detection. About 93 percent of women whose breast cancer is caught in its earliest stages will be healthy and disease-free five years after their diagnosis and treatment. In addition to breast self-examination, the ACS recommends yearly mammograms with a clinical breast exam (CBE) for women starting at age 40. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a CBE about every three years. Curves encourages early detection through its $0 service fee special for new members who show proof of a mammogram performed within the last year or who donate $25 to The American Cancer Society (ACS).

2. Risk Management. Only about 5-10 percent of breast cancers are hereditary, so prevention is an important risk management strategy. To help women significantly reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, Curves encourages them to schedule an annual doctor visit, perform monthly breast self-exams, eat a nutritious diet and make time for regular exercise to promote fitness and weight control.

3. Research. Curves members will have the opportunity to support critical research by joining fund-raising efforts to honor the memory of breast cancer victims and celebrate the current and future birthdays of breast cancer survivors at a GirlTime "Birthday Celebration" Event.

"The ACS credits the decline in death rates from breast cancer since 1990 to earlier detection, increased awareness and improved treatment," said Heavin. "While breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer death in women, there are now more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, including those still undergoing treatment. Curves is proud to be part of the efforts to educate and empower women that have contributed to these hopeful statistics."

For more information about activities in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to learn how to exercise good breast health, please visit http://www.curves.com

* http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-key-statistics