Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women all around the globe and the second leading cause of death in women. And although October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we need to be aware far more often than just in October.

October is a great starting point to learn the risks and the facts, but we shouldn't stop there.

The Susan G. Komen website suggests that once a woman reaches the age 25 she should begin receiving clinical breast exams, although some doctors encourage women to have their first examination as young as 20.

Although breast cancer in women under the age of 45 is rare, it is not unheard of. Treatment for young women with breast cancer is often more complicated than with their older counterparts. According to an article on youngsurvival.org, breast cancer in younger women is often much more aggressive. Research is beginning to show that breast cancer in women under the age of 40 is biologically different than in women over 40.

Maybe at this point you're thinking, "I'm young. I'm healthy. I've been checked, why should I be worrying about this?"

Let me tell you why:

You are a woman, and women stick together.

And in the rare case you're a man with breast cancer (because it does happen, about 2,300 cases each year), we'll stick by you, too.

One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Think of your eight closest girl friends, now think about how you'd feel if one of them found out they had breast cancer.

There are expected to be more 230,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed this year.

In just one year, over 230,000. That is a ginormous number. Again, think about how this would impact you, your family or your friends.

When detected early enough, the five-year survival rate is 100 percent.

That's incredible, so don't ever say you don't have time to do a monthly self-check exam. It is very well could save your life.

A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the US every three minutes.

Listen to your favorite song. By the time it's over, someone else's life is forever changed.

A woman dies from breast cancer in the US every 13 minutes.

Think about your favorite sitcom to watch. Breast cancer takes almost two lives every time you're laughing at your TV.

Hopefully at this point I have your attention. So what are ways you can be smart in preventing breast cancer for yourself and fighting alongside your sisters who have been diagnosed?

Give yourself a self breast examination every month.

Set a reminder on your phone, get a group of friends in on it and remind each other. A simple exam that only takes a few minutes could save your life. If you're not sure how, ask your doctor.

Take care of yourself.

Studies show that women who are active, eat a healthier diet and limit their alcohol consumption are less prone to develop breast cancer.

Volunteer your time.

Organizations like the American Cancer Society have several different ways to be involved. From helping women regain confidence in their appearance after chemotherapy or radiation treatments, to driving fighters to and from their doctors appointments, there is something for everyone.

Participate in research.

Sign up to donate breast tissue that can be used for research. You can find more information on breast tissue donation at komentissuebank.iu.edu.

Never stop fighting.

We all have strong people in our lives, but even the fiercest fighters grow tired sometimes. Be there to fight for them when they're too weak to fight for themselves.

Breast cancer is strong, but if we all think just a little more pink, I think we'll find that we are stronger.