It’s October, so it’s around that time when you’ll be seeing A LOT of pink and those cute pink ribbons pinned to people’s clothing. October is recognised internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But as fun as 5K runs and wearing pink are, it’s about more than just that.

Here are some facts about this particular strain of cancer to put it all into perspective.

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the breast.In 2012 alone 1.7 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and there were 522,000 breast cancer-linked deaths.

Risk factors for breast cancer are varied and numerous ranging from a high alcoholic intake, early menstruation and starting menopause at a later age, to giving birth for the first time at an older age or never having given birth at all. So, even TEENs are at risk. But being ‘at risk’ is not the same as saying that one will get cancer, in the same way as not being ‘at risk’ does not mean one cannot get cancer.

Treatment for breast cancer is available and has had many successes.

Maintaining a healthy diet and a good exercise regimen have been credited with decreasing the chances of contracting breast cancer and regular screening and self-tests increase the chance of the cancer being detected (and thus treated) at an early stage.

Many men and women have bravely fought breast cancer. Please lend your support this October to the various events or drives lead by the Jamaica Cancer Society and other organisations locally. Wear pink to show your support, and with your contribution and assistance we will someday have a cure for this condition.