Breast Cancer Awareness month is celebrated in October with the purpose of raising awareness for a condition that affects nearly 3.1 million women in the United States alone. 

According to Breastcancer.org , In 2019, "an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 62,930 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer."

In most cases, breast cancer is not caused by an  inherited genetic factor. Instead only about 5-10% of cases are actually caused by generic inheritance. Essentially, women can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by practicing healthy lifestyle choices, along with frequent check-ups. Exercise, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption are factors that can be managed with the purpose of promoting a healthy lifestyle. 

 It is also important to be vigilant. self checks, are important to help identity any newly developed lumps or abnormalities to your breast tissue. In case you do notice any changes, make sure to consult with your doctor. Additionally, don't forget to ask your doctor when should you start scheduling mammograms and other screening practices. For more information on how to reduce your risk of breast cancer, visit the Mayo's Clinic, breast cancer prevention page by clicking here.

"Please show support to the survivors and love to those who lost loved ones to cancer. For our mother, daughters, sisters, aunts and grandmothers, we remember your battles lost and won. We honor your beauty and strength.
I will share my story, over twenty years ago, my mother was diagnosed with cancer and sadly I lost her few years later and it totally broke my heart. She was in her early 40s! She was in her 30s and she did not think she was at risk. It is important to share stories and raise awareness as younger women generally do not consider themselves to be at risk for breast cancer. However, breast cancer can strike at any age: 5% of breast cancer cases occur in women under 40 years of age. All women should be aware of their personal risk factors for breast cancer."