October is right around the corner, and that means that people are starting to gear up for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This is an annual event that takes place every October in order to help raise awareness for breast cancer.

During this month, plenty of information and support will be offered to anyone who has been affected by this illness. It also serves as a great opportunity to remind women everywhere of the importance of early detection. So, it is time to break out the pink ribbons and show your support for breast cancer awareness this year!

Support Breast Cancer Research

In recent years, we have been able to come along way. We now are far more capable of detecting breast cancer at an earlier stage, preventing it, and treating woman after they have been diagnosed. However, we still have a long way to go till we can develop a cure for breast cancer. In this year alone, hundreds of thousands of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and in the end, too many of them will succumb to their disease. That is why this month is so important.

Hopefully, this October, there will be plenty of new donations made to help fund ongoing breast cancer research. By conducting new clinical studies on breast cancer, we can develop better methods of treatment and better understand how this disease works. This medical research has helped to save thousands of lives, and with further support, it will save many more.

Men and Women at Risk

When most people see the pink ribbon, they think of raising awareness for female breast cancer patients. The simple truth is that anyone with breast tissue can develop breast cancer. So, even though it is not talked about as often, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also an opportunity to raise awareness for the many men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, the John W. Nick Foundation is one of the select few organizations which are dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer amongst men. In order to support their cause, the foundation promotes a pink and blue ribbon during October.

Breast Cancer isn’t Picky

This month helps people to remember that breast cancer does not discriminate. Young or old, male or female, it doesn’t matter where you’re from or where you’re headed. All it takes is a mutation in the DNA of the breast cells. Some people have inherited these mutations, and still others may have had prolonged exposure to certain harmful substances throughout the course of their lives. The end result is still the same.

The normal breast cells begin to reproduce and multiply out of control, becoming cancerous cells. This isn’t something that a person notices right off the bat either, and often times it is discovered too late.

Early Detection is KEY!

So, next month, numerous groups and organizations will be reminding women (and men) about the importance of early detection. For the vast majority, eating healthy, working out, and maintaining a healthier weight will be enough to keep their overall risk low. However, a person’s best chance of not succumbing to breast cancer is still through breast cancer screenings and early detection.

Throughout October, information will be made readily available for anyone who wants to learn more about regular breast examinations and mammography. Plus, women over the age of 40 should be getting screened for breast cancer at least once every three years. In fact, advancements in mammography have helped to reduce the breast cancer mortality rate by nearly 30% in women who are over 50 years old. There will also be plenty of information on performing breast self-exams.

Currently, the American Cancer Society recommends that all women over 20 should be giving themselves a monthly breast self-exam. While this does seem a bit steep, there are plenty of online resources available to help guide you.

Making a Difference This Year

This October, there will hopefully be plenty of support shown for the people and families which have been affected by this terrible illness. If you have never taken part in showing your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, why not make a change this year. You could donate to a breast cancer charity, organize a community event, or just wear some more pink. In the end, it is all up to you. Get out there and help raise some awareness for breast cancer!