October 1 is the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Did you know: One in eight women will hear the words, "You have breast cancer," in their lifetime.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, every two minutes in the U.S., a woman gets diagnosed with breast cancer.
This year alone, more than 310,000 women will be diagnosed, and more than 2,800 men will be diagnosed with this form of cancer, according to the organization.
But there is some good news: The five-year survival rate is 99% when caught early.
It's important to know the symptoms, do a self-exam, go for that mammogram you may be putting off, and also empower the women in your lives to make sure they are taking control of their health.
For helpful signs of early detection and more breast cancer awareness information, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation's website.
All month long, ABC15's Nick Ciletti will be sporting a pink tie to spread the message and observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a cause he feels strongly about.
"Did you know 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime? My mom was one of them and is thankfully one of the 4 million survivors here in the US. Go get that mammogram you’ve been putting off. Do a self check-up. Encourage and empower the women in your life (and a reminder, men can get it too.) That gentle nudge could maybe save a life," Ciletti said.
