Worldwide, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst women.

It does not matter where one is from, how much they make, their race or ethnicity; many may be affected by breast cancer.

Women may be the majority who are diagnosed with breast cancer, but there are men out there with it as well.

The diagnoses in men may go unnoticed due to the gender norms that come with breast cancer.

Almost every person is affected by breast cancer: themselves, loved ones or friends.

There are many diagnosed with breast cancer, but every story is unique.

All have their own story, but all deserve support and compassion.

Getting diagnosed with breast cancer is both a physical and mental journey in fighting for more years of their lives.

Researchers believe that over 246,000 women will be living with breast cancer by 2030.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is every October, encouraging people to get tested early, provide those struggling with support, raise funds and raise awareness.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also known as “Pink October,” symbolized by a pink ribbon, meaning hope and action.

The American Cancer Society was founded in 1913 to raise public awareness, and it started Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985 to raise awareness and educate the public about the disease.

Everyone needs to educate themselves to be able to take care of themselves and their loved ones.

The earlier one gets tested, the higher the chance of survival they have.

Breast cancers caught early through screenings can be more treatable and curable.

Even if one is not experiencing symptoms, they should still get screened because of the possibilities.

Waiting until something feels wrong can result in the cancer being at an advanced stage, which is way harder to treat.

“Early detection is one of the most important factors for prognosis for women. When we can catch cancers early, it makes the prognosis so much better and the treatment so much simpler,” Dr. Meaghan Marley said.

The recommended age for women to get tested is 40, who are at average risk.

Women taking part in their first mammograms have a higher chance of coming back each year and staying on top of their health.

There may not be a guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, but risks can be reduced by quitting smoking, keeping a healthy weight and reducing alcohol consumption.

In recent years, there has been an increase in diagnoses in younger women, supporting the benefits of early screenings.

There are a couple of ways to get tested, and it is on a case-by-case basis, including mammograms, clinical breast exams and sometimes even breast MRIs.

The goal is to minimize treatment with the best possible outcome, causing the least amount of harm.

Dr. Shari B. Goldfarb commented on a breast cancer diagnosis as, “a short, aggressive period of treatments and care to ensure the best long-term outcome.”

It is powerful to know that early detection and access to healthcare can make a big difference in how people live.