![October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month [Image: common use.wikimedia.org]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/10/4/660x290/b_502x220x82/october-is-national-breast-cancer-awareness-month-image-common-usewikimediaorg_1611849.jpg "October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month [Image: common use.wikimedia.org]")
October is the month to bring attention to three big causes. It is National Breast Cancer Awareness, National Domestic Violence Awareness, and National Bullying Prevention Month. The entire month from October 1st through October 31st has been designated for these causes.
According to statistics, breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. It has been estimated that about one in every eight women in the United States will get breast cancer at some point during her lifetime. Even though they might get that particular type of cancer, the odds are very good that they can be treated and recover from the disease if it is discovered in the early stages.
That's why it is so important for women to get a mammogram and be screened for breast cancer.
Women who are 40 to 49 years old should get tested every year. Women who are 50 to 74 should get a mammogram every two years. If they have had problems with their breasts, then a mammogram is recommended more often.
A lot of people, including men, are seen wearing pink, and especially the pink ribbon, because that's the color associated with breast cancer awareness. Some men get the disease. Also, they have wives, mothers, and sisters who could become affected. In some cities, the buildings light up in pink to remind people to get checked for breast cancer.
National Domestic Awareness Month
October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Advocates, victims, service providers, first responders, and others who are involved in the prevention of domestic violence observe the month of October as a time to bring awareness to ending abuse against women and their children.
During this time, people around the nation mourn those who have been hurt or died because of some form of domestic violence.
Women and children who have survived the violence are celebrated. The color for domestic violence awareness is purple.
National Bullying Prevention Month
October is also National Bullying Prevention Month, even though bullying should not exist in any month of the year. October is the time designated to raise awareness to prevent bullying in any form.
Bullying Prevention Awareness started in October 2006 and is recognized around the world by thousands of schools, communities, organizations, and individuals who get involved to bring more attention to preventing the cruel acts. Officials of the movement want people to know that preventing bullying should be everybody's responsibility, and it should not be left up to children to handle on their own.
