by Randa Morris

Created on: October 01, 2010   Last Updated: July 30, 2011

According to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation a woman dies from breast cancer every 69 seconds. This hardly seems like cause to celebrate. What we can celebrate, however, is that with early detection and treatment the rate of survival for those diagnosed with breast cancer has greatly improved in the past 20 years.

What we should  celebrate is the knowledge that, thanks to outreach and awareness activities like National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, more and women are taking preventative measures that can help increase their chance of survival, by performing regular self-examinations and getting yearly mammograms.

We can also celebrate new treatment options and on-going research which will someday develop a cure. Along with that idea, we can celebrate the hope that children born today may never experience the devastating effects of  breast cancer, in the way that our grandmothers, mothers, sisters and friends have. What we must celebrate is every woman who has faced this disease and conquered the odds.

Celebrate by participating in one of the thousands of breast cancer awareness events scheduled world-wide throughout the month of October. Whether you participate in the "Race for the Cure", a local or national awareness walk, a fundraising breakfast or a fashion show for charity, there is sure to be an event scheduled that suits your personal style and taste.

If you can't find an event scheduled near you, consider planning one of your own. You will find resources and ideas for planning an awareness event at breastcancerawareness.com.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation also provides free breast cancer information and educational materials. Pamphlets on topics such as how to perform a self-exam, what to ask the doctor, outreach resources and much more are available simply for the asking. Materials are distributed in quantities of 25 to 100. Order online and distribute them throughout your city or town.

Celebrate October with a mammogram. 

Every woman over age 50 should have a yearly mammogram. Women who are at a higher risk of the disease, regardless of age, should have a mammogram at least once a year, or as recommended by their physician. Invite a friend or loved one to schedule a mammogram and go together. According to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, unisured

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