Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Approximately 1,700 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer Awareness Month promotes awareness, education, empowerment, and most of all hope, because hearing the words “breast cancer,” never has to mean the end. 

Here are just a few ways you can help in the fight:

• You can donate. Just pick your poison, you can donate to numerous foundations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure or the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.
• Volunteer or hold a fundraiser.
• Find a local Race for the Cure. The Komen Race for the Cure Series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates cancer survivorship, and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease.
• Become an advocate. Mid-term elections are just around the corner, and candidates need to hear from you. Tell them what your priorities are, and ask them what they plan to do to help in the fight against breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Bill of Rights is a promise to fight breast cancer forever. You can sign it here.
• Participate in an event. Whether its a run, a golf tournament or art show, there are many different ways to contribute to the fight against breast cancer 365 days a year.
• Save yourself. The best way to fight breast cancer is to have a plan that helps you detect the disease in its early stages. Start your Early Detection Plan today. Here are some other tips to help prevent breast cancer.
• Go shopping. You can visit ShopKomen.com, the NBCAM shop or The Pink Ribbon Shop for everything from shirts and hats to dog collars and headphones. Check out this adorable shirt from  Shyne, with portions of the proceeds benefiting local breast cancer foundations and charities. And BCBG is selling some uber-cute accessories, with twenty-five percent of retail sales from each being donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

For more information visit National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or Susan G. Komen for the Cure.