Breast Cancer Awareness Month , marked in countries across the world every October, helps to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease.

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. One in eight women will be impacted by breast cancer in their lifetime. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Early detection and treatment is the most effective way of surviving the cancer (90 percent or more).

What Are the Symptoms?

There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include:

• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).
• A new lump in the breast or underarm.

If you have any of these signs, it is best that you see your doctor right away.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Some main factors that affect your change of getting breast cancer include:

� Being a woman

� Being Older. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old and older. However, breast cancer can also affect younger women.

� Having changes in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes

How Can I Lower My Risk?

Some things you can do things to help lower your breast cancer risk:

• Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
• Do not drink alcohol, or limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
• If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks.
• Breastfeed your children, if possible.
• Get annual Mammograms