Although the Autumn brings lots of joy, color, and exciting activities, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month. Communities and charities come together to spread awareness of the disease and raise funds.

Did you know? (according to National breast cancer foundation)

• 1 in 8 women in the U.S will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.

• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

• On average every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes.

• Over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the U.S today

What to know:

The female breast is made up of fat cells. When a cell’s DNA is damaged it causes a cancer growth, but it still seems to be unknown what causes the DNA damage.

There are Five Stages in breast cancer, 0-4.

Stage 0 - DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) Early stage and treated either with surgery or radiation.

Stage 1 - Invasive breast cancer (Tumor less than 2cm)

Stage 2 - Is divided into two categories 2A and 2B, depending on size of tumor or no tumor.

Stage 3 - 3A, 3B, 3C, depending the location and number of lymph nodes the cancer has spread.

Stage 4 - This stage is the most advanced stage, which has spread beyond the breast to other organs of the body. Stage four is also known as “metastatic cancer”.

All woman should perform self-breast exam every month.

If you notice any of these signs, you should seek medical evaluation. The goal is to detect breast cancer in its early stages.

• Lumps

• Nipple discharge (From woman who is not breastfeeding)

• Inverted nipple

• An area of redness or irritation

• Persistent pain or discomfort

So ladies, don't forget to check yourself at least every month. With so much going on, it can slip our minds. However, its important.

"Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, were in this together"

There are many ways one can help during this month and throughout any month, you can donate, volunteer, fundraise ,and Vrace, for more information visit http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

For donations to help provide mammograms, breast health services, education, and support for those in need visit. https://donate.nationalbreastcancer.org/

"She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She walked with the universe on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings."