October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women; and although less common, breast cancer also affects men—the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be over 2,550 new cases of breast cancer in men in 2018 alone!

So what can you do?

Take care of yourself. · Limit your exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) · Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone medications you may be taking · Limit your exposure to radiation · Reach and/or maintain a healthy weight · Limit alcohol consumption · Quit tobacco · Avoid tanning beds and wear sunscreen and sun protective clothing when spending time outdoors

· If you have a family history of breast cancer or are at a higher risk because of other factors, talk to your doctor about screening earlier than age 40 · For women, once you reach age 40, talk to your doctor about screening options · If you have or have had breast cancer, reach out for support · If you have lost someone in a cancer battle, try to cope with your grief in healthy ways

Help your loved ones take care of themselves.

· Share this information with them

· Encourage them to have a conversation with their doctor about their risk factors and when it would be appropriate to begin screening

· Support them in making healthy lifestyle choices, which means making them yourself also—lead by example! · If someone you love has cancer, support them

Support businesses and charities that support breast cancer research, awareness, prevention, and treatment.

· Not all breast cancer products are equal. Just because it is pink or has a pink ribbon on it, doesn’t mean any of the proceeds are going to support breast cancer. Don’t be blinded by “pink washing”, do your research to find out where your donations are going and how much of the proceeds from a pink product are actually going to support the cause.

Information adapted from the American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and Think Before You Pink.