Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—not that this is news to the millions of lives breast cancer has touched. The world over, the famous rosy hued ribbons are blossoming on lapels, gym bags, and e-mail signatures. Entire websites are turning a shade blushier for the month to alert visitors and show their support. But Breast Cancer Awareness Month is as much for the uninitiated as for the community; after all, the point is to draw in new people. So for all the Unawares out there, don't feel left out! Read up, reach out, and go pink.

What is Breast Cancer?

You may know a little about breast cancer from reading yogurt lids or watching health advisory infomercials—but what exactly is breast cancer? How deadly is it? Simply, breast cancer is cancer of the glandular breast tissue. According to the World Health Organization, it is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the most frequent cancer type in women. Over her lifetime, a woman has about a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer within her next 10 years. Men, you're not immune; you can have breast cancer too! But fortunately, this only happens rarely, making up less than 1% of all breast cancer case.

For more information and facts about breast cancer, including the symptoms of breast cancer and treatment, please visit the online resource Breast Cancer Watch.

Current Developments

Even at the peak of our modern society, breast cancer is still a huge problem. But we have come a long way. People are becoming more aware of this cancer (the pink ribbons do work!), and have improved their diet and health as a result. Recent breast cancer research and treatments are saving more lives, educating more people, and giving more hope.

For instance, in a very recent study, researchers confirmed the link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer. Women who drank one or two drinks a day raised their risk of breast cancer by 10%—this risk increases to 30% for women who drank more than three drinks a day.

Armed with such knowledge, women are directly and proactively reducing their risk for developing breast cancer. In fact, due to earlier detection and improved treatment, breast cancer survival rates are increasing.

That is the key point to take home: You have much more control over breast cancer than you think. The earlier the tumor is detected, the better chance you'll have of beating the cancer.

The Community

Breast cancer has a gigantic and committed community and support network. Throughout this month, expect many breast cancer awareness organizations to host special events and fundraisers. To learn more, please visit Breast Cancer Watch's list of organizations and resources.

Started in 2006, Pink for October is a web event that invites websites to literally go pink and change their color schemes in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. About 1,500 sites participated last year alone. Make this year even louder and pinker by changing your site or telling someone else about it. Read the call to action here: www.pinkforoctober.org.

The nonprofit breastcancer.org will host a virtual party to raise money to help women and their loved ones. Participants can join a live chat and share their thoughts and support with others. Read more at www.breastcancer.org.

Turning Awareness into Action

Breast Cancer Awareness Month will be a failure if it just increases awareness. Knowing about breast cancer is one thing; doing something about it is another thing entirely. Take advantage of this month's heightened activity and join the fight against breast cancer. Show your support by attending any rallies or local events. Give what you can, even if it's just a few kind words. And, most importantly, don't stop when October ends; breast cancer certainly won't.