October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month [VIDEO]

It's October, and that means it's time for awareness, education and empowerment! What exactly am I getting at? National Breast Cancer Awareness. Did you know each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Approximately 1,700 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, risk factors for breast cancer include:

Age: Half of all women diagnosed are over age 65.

Weight: Being obese or overweight.

Diet & Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity, a diet high in saturated fat, and alcoholic intake of more than two drinks per day.

Menstrual & Reproductive History: Early menstruation or late menopause, having your first child at an older age or not having given birth, or taking birth control pills for more than ten years if you are under 35.

Family & Personal History: A family history of breast cancer—particularly a mother, sister. or a personal history of breast cancer of benign (non-cancer) breast disease.

Medical & Other Factors: Dense breast tissue (often identified by a mammogram), past radiation therapy to the breast or chest area. A history of hormone treatments—such as estrogen and progesterone, or gene changes— including BRCA1, BRCA2, and others.

Knowledge is an important step in helping to prevent this terrible disease. Make a pledge to make at least one step towards educating yourself and your loved ones on breast cancer. Show your support for those who have gone through, or are going through, the battle against this deadly disease. Check out this link to everything pink! This month I'll share a lot more facts and information about breast cancer, so stay tuned!