While many associate October with the start of fall weather, cozy sweaters, and the crunching of leaves, it’s important to take a second to recognize what the month of October also stands for: Breast Cancer Awareness. All of us have undoubtedly seen breast cancer in action, and if you haven’t been personally affected, I’m sure you know of someone who has been. Millions of families are affected by breast cancer each year, and this aggressive disease takes many lives too soon. So take a second while sipping your pumpkin spice latte to brush up on the facts and spread the word to help end this terrible disease.

The Facts: (National Breast Cancer Foundation)

• One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.
• Each year it is estimated that over 246,660 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
• Men CAN be diagnosed with breast cancer
  • Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 440 will die each year.
• On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes.
• Over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the United States today.
• Only about 10% of diagnosed individuals have a family history of the disease.

So what can we do to prevent this disease? Early detection and knowing the signs is key.

Signs: (National Breast Cancer Foundation)

• A change in how the breast or nipple feels
  • Nipple tenderness, lumps, change in skin texture
• A change in breast or nipple appearance
  • Shape, swelling, shrinking, red in color
• Nipple discharge

Typically a doctor should be consulted if two or more of these symptoms are present, and you should be checking yourself regularly.

Early Detection: (National Breast Cancer Foundation)

• Self breast exam
  • Should be done monthly
• Clinical breast exam
  • Health care professional will check for lumps/abnormalities
• Mammogram
  • X-ray that examines breast tissue for suspicious areas

While breast cancer may not be preventable, early detection can be the difference between life and death. I know first hand how breast cancer can affect the lives of a loved one, and I thank God everyday that it was caught in time. Spread the word during the month of October, and every other month for that matter, to raise awareness for breast cancer and don’t let ignorance be the reason a life couldn’t be saved. For more information on Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness month visit http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org.