October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Happy October! We’re getting close to one of my favorite “holidays” of the year (Halloween, of course). This month has the extra distinction of being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer seems to have affected almost everyone I know, directly or indirectly. While there are many other forms of cancer, this is one that can be beat if detected early enough. From the American Cancer Society: “When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%.”

Here are 5 facts about breast cancer in the US from the National Breast Cancer Foundation:

• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.
• Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

These are some frightening statistics, but National Breast Cancer Foundation lists these healthy habits that can help reduce your risk:

1. Maintain a healthy weight
2. Stay physically active
3. Eat fruits and vegetables
4. Do not smoke
5. Limit alcohol consumption

A lot of my recent Examiner.com articles have been focused on Breast Cancer Awareness:

• Metropolitan Fashion Week’s closing gala (which I will be attending!)
• Barola’s Bra for Life for breast cancer survivors, and one that is about to be published on about Flynn Skye‘s frocks (a really cute off the shoulder Bardot Mini Dress) for Breast Cancer Awareness.

My family has fortunately not had to deal with Breast Cancer directly, though this is not true for other forms of cancer.  I did have a childhood friend whose mother had survived breast cancer. At the time, I was too young to really understand what it was, though I could tell it was serious.   One thing I try to do on a daily basis is click on the Breast Cancer Site banners on GreaterGood.com to help support giving mammograms, probably to those who can’t usually afford it. I don’t know how much it actually helps, but I’ll keep doing it as long as I think it does!

UPDATE: For more ways to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, check out this article: Beyond wearing pink: how you can support breast cancer awareness