October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Many women and men have had, know or lost someone with breast cancer. Although support in the fight against breast cancer remains year-round, October brings attention to the continued fight and serves as a reminder for women to get breast cancer screenings.

Of all the cancers diagnosed in women in the United States, breast cancer is the most common and the second leading cause of cancer death. There is a 1 in 8 chance for a woman to have invasive breast cancer in her life, and a 1 in 37 chance of dying from breast cancer. It is important to recognize that these death rates have been decreasing, largely due to early detection and better treatment.

Finding the cancer early is essential. Women should start to get yearly screenings and mammograms around the age of 45. Be sure to check if your health insurance plan offers free mammography screenings.

You too can join the fight against breast cancer. On Saturday, October 22, the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will be taking place at the State Capitol Building. Support the cause and satisfy your sweet tooth with Gwen’s bagels and pink swirl cupcakes from MSU Bakers. With every purchase of the pink, dried cranberry bagels, $1 will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

MSU Human Resources extends its support to all of the fighters and individuals working to find the cure.