Breast cancer is a debilitating disease and if caught late can spread rapidly throughout a person's body. Both women and men can suffer from breast cancer. For women, the risk of getting breast cancer is one in eight. For men, it is one in 833-1,000 according to The American Cancer Society. A woman's chances of getting breast cancer nearly doubles (mother, grandmother, and daughter) if one woman in the family tests positive for the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes. According to the American Cancer Society, there are things that a person can do to prevent their risk of possibly getting breast cancer to a minimum, such as using certain types of contraception, IUDs, not being physically active, excessive drinking of alcohol, etc.

Personally, I have seen what breast cancer can do to a distant relative. It destroyed this person and their family and the worst of it all was that the person was my grandfather's eldest child. Seeing people you know and people you have such love for no longer be here with is astounding. Being there through it all until the devasting end is admirable and requires great strength. My family has become more aware of what breast cancer can do and many of my family members to take action to take care of themselves to limit the risk and visit the doctors regularly.

The preventative measures to take are sometimes surgical. if a woman has the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene she can opt for a double mastectomy, removing the breast tissue greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer for those who have the gene. Some women who have been open about their journey with recovery from having a double-mastectomy are, Giuliana Rancic of E! News, Angelina Jolie, and Former Frist Lady Betty Ford. All equally strong women just like you or I.

Surviving breast cancer is another battle. This is a mental health battle. A women's common emotions after finishing treatment and being declared cancer-free can lead to anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Many women may not feel like themselves and that is totally understandable. It is crucial in recovery to have a strong support network of friends and loved ones. If you are going through something like this you can call (1-800-227-2345) The American Cancer Society and they are more than willing to help you get on a stable road to recovery.

If you or someone that you know is going through breast cancer, or any form of cancer just let them know you'll be there for them because the greatest thing you can give to someone is support. On this month, October 2018, I encourage you to donate money or your time to The American Cancer Society, The Susan G. Kolman Foundation or any local organization and show your support for the strong women and men that battle this disease every day. This disease affects one in eight women in America and the least we women can do is stand by each other in times of need.