Research Indicates Being Overweight Increases Risk of Breast Cancer

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Who knew that simply putting on 21 - 30 pounds between your teens and your 50s could increase your risk of breast cancer after menopause? Now that word is getting out about the link between excess weight and breast cancer, women need support to not only lose those extra pounds and improve their health, but to also help deal with their emotions should they become one of the projected 182,460 American women diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

That's why alli(TM) and Breast Cancer Network of Strength(TM) are joining efforts to improve women's health with a limited edition pink package during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. alli's 90-count package features a pink Shuttle (carrying case) along with special packaging highlighting Network of Strength's unique role in supporting breast cancer patients.

'alli is proud to support Breast Cancer Network of Strength which provides invaluable support to women during some very challenging times,' said Karen Scollick, vice president Behavioral Science at GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, the maker of alli. 'Our partnership demonstrates our commitment to women's health and helps to ensure that women touched by breast cancer don't have to face it alone.'

$150,000 Donation Supports YourShoes(TM)

Breast Cancer Network of Strength provides immediate emotional relief to anyone affected by breast cancer through the 'YourShoes(TM)' 24/7 breast cancer support center, which includes the country's only toll-free hotline staffed exclusively by breast cancer survivors.

'When you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, you deal with so many emotions that you often aren't comfortable talking about with your husband, friends or even doctor,' said Nancy Nixon, a breast cancer survivor who counsels callers through the YourShoes support center. 'No one knows what you're going through like someone who has already been in your shoes. It's personally rewarding to help other women and let them know that they really can get through this, and we're here for them every step of the way.'

Women Reduce Cancer Risk, Lose Weight with alli

More than four million Americans have lost weight with alli during the past year. Many of those success stories come from women like Cheryl Hartvigse from Columbia, S.C. who recognize that losing weight can improve their health and may reduce their breast cancer risk.

'Two of my family members have been diagnosed with breast cancer.