As October has fallen upon us, many women begin breaking out comfortable cardigans, adorable booties, and their favorite pair of jeans that just seem to fit them just right. Some women across the nation, however, break out a totally different attire; they don as much pink as possible to show their support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month during the month of October.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed disease in women by far, as about one in every eight women is directly affected by breast cancer. At this moment, there are over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone. Out of a population of 318.9 million people, that's almost 1% of the population that has been directly affected by breast cancer. But, alongside that 1%, there are also the friends and family that are also affected indirectly. Chances are that you, right know, are related to or know someone that has been directly affected by breast cancer in their lifetime.

That is why National Breast Cancer Awareness month is so important. That is why it is so important, now more than ever, to ban together and raise awareness for breast cancer. Because, after all, the month of October is about so much more than the pink ribbon and the pink gloves/cleats donned by NFL players, as important as they are. It's about knowing the signs and assessing your risk as a woman and even a man. It's about taking that knowledge and telling everyone you know, so that they can be educated about their risk as well. It's about supporting the survivors, mourning those we have lost, and celebrating the recent research and development that has gone into putting an end to this abhorrent disease.

Get the facts. For more information about breast cancer, consider looking into the following resources:

1. National Brest Cancer Foundation
2. The American Cancer Society

Know your risk. Consider assessing your risk through Bright Pink's website.

Get involved. Consider looking into these opportunities:

1. Many chapters of Zeta Tau Alpha host campus programs to raise awareness and educate their community about breast cancer.
2. The American Cancer Society hosts Making Strides walks across the country. To find a Making Strides or Breast Cancer Event near you, consider visiting their website.
3. Consider donating to reputable organizations that promote the awareness and education of breast cancer. It is recommended that you do your own research and donate to an organization/foundation that fits your needs.