In October, everything turns pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We see pink ribbons everywhere from the NFL to the bag of chips we buy at the grocery store. It's all over the place and it's enough pink to make every girl excited!

But, October is so much more than that. Breast cancer is something that hits close to home. Most, if not all of us, have experienced the effects of cancer, whether it's through personal experience, a family member or a friend. Even as a 20 year old college student, it's important to understand the significance of this month and that early detection can save the lives of many women. It saved my mom. 

October is about spreading awareness. 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime, and approx. 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member also diagnosed with it. This is an important month not only because breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among American women, but also because it has taken the lives of so many and impacted more than 2.8 million survivors in the U.S. 

Although these statistics seem scary, breast cancer can be treated and early detection tests save thousands of lives each year. Early detection improves the chances of being diagnosed at an early stage, as well as being successfully treated. Even though it's not recommended to start getting mammograms until about 40, you can conduct your own breast exam(s) at home. It's not as common in women younger than 40, but it is still a very real possibility. Often, those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age tend to find it again later on, usually at a more aggressive stage. Self examinations are one of the most effective ways to be sure that you are cancer free and/or catch it early on. 

Every young woman needs to be aware of these facts. Just because we are young and think it will never happen to us doesn't mean we are immune. Cancer doesn't discriminate, and it's better to be prepared. Being aware of steps to detect breast cancer early can save your life.

So take this month to help support and spread awareness of breast cancer and early detection. Early detection saved my mom's life not once, but twice, and it can help save the lives of more. Educate yourself about your own family's history and your risk factors. Spreading awareness spreads the cure.