october is breast cancer awareness month.

In 2011, an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women.

In 2011, approximately 39,520 women are expected to die from breast cancer.

In 2011, about 2,140 cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among men; approximately 450 men will die from breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is a little less than 1 in 8 (12%).

We are incredibly fortunate to have so many people, men and women alike, promoting breast cancer awareness in the year 2011. Advances in technology and increases in donations for research and assistance has allowed us to save thousands of lives. The tragedy of it all is that there is no cure and there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, which is why regular mammograms are so important for early detection. Strategies that may help prevent breast cancer include avoiding weight gain and obesity, engaging in regular physical activity, and minimizing alcohol intake (American Cancer Society). Women, I urge you to contact your doctor for more information about breast cancer detection. Men, I urge you to enlighten yourselves and to share with the women in your life about the importance of being educated about this disease. Please visit the American Cancer Society Website sometime this month in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. Together, we can all work towards finding a cure and saving lives.