From food choices to family genes, it seems that possible causes of cancer are everywhere. But by being conscious of your body and its symptoms, and by making sure you always get your mammograms and checkups, you can take control of your own health. And thanks to advancements in cancer research, there are now more resources for testing for cancer—and for treating it—than ever before.

We found these stories on our message boards, posted by some courageous women who want you to know that there is hope—and that the money being dedicated to cancer research really is saving lives.

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