After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer women suffer in the United States, and it is second only to lung cancer as the cause of cancer death. Thankfully, efforts by the American Cancer Society; the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.; Susan G. Komen for the Cure; and many other organizations have changed the diagnosis of breast cancer from a death sentence to a disease that can be overcome.

This year, it is estimated that more than 288,000 new cases of breast cancer in women will be diagnosed in the U.S. and almost 40,000 women will lose their battle. And while we are ingrained with the motto "Think Pink," breast cancer also affects men. While it is considerably rare, 2,140 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. this year, resulting in an estimated 450 deaths.

Early detection is the most effective way to treat breast cancer. Women are encouraged to receive annual mammograms starting at age 40, though many women have been able to detect abnormalities through regular self-examination. Many breast cancer awareness advocates suggest women begin regular self-exams as early as age 20 and to also ask for a clinical breast exam at annual check-up doctor appointments. Although breast cancer is most common in Caucasian women, African-American fatalities are 39 percent higher due to lack of access to health care. This statistic has led minority women to push programs such as the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), which provides free screening and treatment to qualified women.

In the U.S., breast cancer awareness has developed a strong presence beyond pink ribbons. Since 2009, the National Football League (NFL) has partnered with the American Cancer Society in sponsoring "A Crucial Catch," a program developed to show support for women who are suffering or have suffered from breast cancer. During the month of October, NFL players, coaches and staff wear pink during games, and special team items can be purchased from the official NFL store with portions of the proceeds going to breast cancer research. Another growing trend, thought not an official advocacy program, is "Real men wear pink," where each Friday in the month of October, men wear pink shirts or ties to show their support of breast cancer awareness.

For more information on the causes and warning signs of breast cancer or to join in a breast cancer awareness cause, please visit the websites listed below. And, as always, remember to get regular screening because the best way to treat breast cancer is early detection.