I’m sure you have all seen the pink ribbons emblazoned on practically everything – but have you ever really stopped and thought about what they stand for?  More than 249,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer every year, and nearly 41,000 die from the disease.  Breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Those are scary statistics to think about.

Here are just a few of the things you can do to increase awareness and help those in need:

Early detection is key – For most women, who are not at especially high risk of breast cancer, regular mammograms do not need to start before age 50. Or, to be cautious, a woman can get one mammogram earlier (around age 45), and then if it is normal, wait until she is 50 for her next mammogram.

Educate yourself and your loved ones – The National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation is giving away a free informational guide.

Purchase from brands that support breast cancer awareness charities

Share your personal story on social media – this allows others to know they are not alone in their journey.

So this October, take a minute and get involved.  We want our homeowners to be healthy!