Mother. Grandmother. Aunt. Friend. Everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Its an epidemic that we cant seem escape from and the reality always hits hard sooner or later. October is national breast cancer awareness month which is so important for so many reasons.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Let that sink in.

This means that at least 1 of your close friends will likely end up being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Not only is that fact shocking, but breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.

Breast cancer is everywhere and thats why this month is so important. As millennials we grew up listening to the warnings and hearing the facts. We know that self examinations are crucial and that mammograms are 100% necessary, this is not news to our generation. But it is so important that we take these to heart.

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, according to the NationalBreastCancer.org. Lowering these statistics starts with you. Early detection saves lives and knowing your risk is important to help save yours.

Due to screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options, the death rates from breast cancer have been declining since the early 90s but that doesn't mean things are any better.

There is still a long way to go in hopes of finding a cure. This October, I hope that everyone pays attention and takes to heart what they see and hear. Breast cancer is something that has affected each of us personally or will at some point so no matter who you are, breast cancer should be important to you.