October shines light on Breast Cancer Awareness Month

According to the American Cancer Society, every year more than 40,000 women die of Breast Cancer, making October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, even more important.

Breast cancer is caused when malignant, or worsening, cells form in the breast. There is no real cause for why these can form, but malignant cells are more likely to grow in an older woman, someone who is overweight, and if they have a family history of breast cancer. 

According to Britannica, Breast Cancer Awareness Month was created in 1985 by the American Cancer Association, and it only lasted a week. The message was to encourage more women to get mammograms, which has been known to catch breast cancer before it can become fatal. It wasn’t until 1990, however, that Evelyn Lauder established the pink ribbon as the symbol for breast cancer. The symbol has been adopted throughout the world, and even large corporations, such as the NFL, have worn pink ribbons in solidarity with women everywhere.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world, apart from skin cancer. In fact, one in eight women are likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, and, according to Comprehensive Center of Women’s Medicine, it is the second leading cause of death among women. 

To combat this issue, it is recommended that women over 40 get a mammogram biyearly, or even yearly. According to the American Cancer Society, women who get yearly mammogram screenings are more likely to find their breast cancer early, are less likely to need aggressive treatment, and more likely to be cured. In fact, according to National Breast Cancer Foundation, 63% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed through mammograms when the cancer is not outwardly visible. 

To help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, encourage every woman older than 40 to get a mammogram yearly, or donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.