October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The National Cancer Institute is projecting 40,610 will die this  year alone with breast cancer. Add in the fact that around 252,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and you can understand the importance of a month such as this. By the way, I do realize that men can contract this affliction as well. The most common form of cancer is women is skin cancer followed by breast cancer. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel as women with breast cancer have a 5-year survival rate of almost 90%.

Like many diseases the risk factor for breast cancer also increases with age. Women in their 30's have a 1 in 233 chance. When you get into your 70's the odds increase to 1 in 8.

Having a family member who had breast cancer increases your risk but wait, 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. This is according to the worldwidebreastcancer.org web site.

It's October and it should serve as a reminder to all to do regular breast exams. Don't be afraid to connect with your doctor even if there appears to be even a slight irregularity. And remember to don pink in remembrance of those who have face this affliction.