Breast cancer is a terrible disease that plagues and affects people in the United States everyday. According to BreastCancer.org, in 2021 an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., and about 2,650 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men. On Oct. 1, the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month was kicked off. This month, the color pink is worn to show support for people that have fallen victim to breast cancer. All across the U.S., people show support in various ways to spread awareness. Learning about breast cancer, raising awareness and showing support is something everyone does to give back to people suffering from the disease.

What is breast cancer exactly? According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast when cells begin to grow out of control. ​​Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer too. Breast cancer cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. It can be a terrible thing to experience, so people use this month to show the patients diagnosed with the disease that everyone is there for them. 

Showing support during breast cancer awareness month is very important and can be something very impactful to a cancer-diagnosed patient. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and is the second leading cause of death in women. It is important that throughout this month people show support and bring awareness to breast cancer. Raising funds for research into its origin, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care could save a life, or even many, someday.

There are many ways to show support to people diagnosed with breast cancer, but the most common way is to simply wear pink. During October, many people wear pink, as even sports teams will wear pink jerseys and spice up their game shoes with pink laces in support. People also tend to donate to breast cancer research foundations of their choice. Any amount given to a research foundation is a step closer to a brighter future for so many. 

According to The American Cancer Society “Approximately 1 in 8 women (13%) will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.” It is considered very important that during this month people across the U.S. bring awareness to breast cancer, educate each other on the effects of the disease and also recognize those who have been affected or are currently being affected. Therefore, wear pink and give back to those in need.