by Reena Daruwalla, guest writer for Nancy Hayssen.com

October is breast cancer awareness month. I had an aunt who died from breast cancer, before I was born. I have known several people who have been afflicted by this scarily common disease, some of whom have been lucky enough to have detected it in time, some not so lucky. Because Breast cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in women after skin cancer, and is the second cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer, we all need to make ourselves more aware about it.

It helps to know what the risk factors for breast cancer are; such as age, race, the environment, lifestyle, heredity, being a woman! I found an excellent reading resource here, where you will find details about breast cancer, such as risk factors, causes, information about mammograms, signs and symptoms of breast cancer, awareness and self exam of the breasts, information about newer technologies for breast cancer screening, genetic testing and details about other additional resources.

As a woman who has a high risk of breast cancer (my mother’s sister died from it, and cancer is rather common in both sides of my family putting me at higher risk for developing cancer), this is something that is always at the back of my mind. Another factor that slightly elevates my risk is the fact that I had my children after I turned 30 (at age 30 and 33). I do all that I can to minimize my risk by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and I think I did reduce my risk somewhat by breast feeding both my girls for more than a year and a half each. I also give myself regular self exams because this may be the single most important thing we can do by ourselves to detect breast cancer early. Take a look here to learn how to.

The National breast cancer site has an early detection program which is designed to help each woman to create and follow her own plan. It is an interactive tool to help remind you to schedule breast self – exams, mammograms, and clinical breast exams and includes a flexible reminder system using email notifications, calendars, and text messages.

So spread the awareness this October and be safe and be healthy.