SAN JOSE, CALIF. — This October is Breast cancer awareness month, this yearly event has taken place since 1985 to honor the 1 in 8 women who get breast cancer, making it the most common cancer that affects women on an everyday basis.

It’s important to note that not only women can get breast cancer but so can men. An estimated 1 out of 100 men can be diagnosed with breast cancer. Just like any other cancer, it goes through your organs or bloodstream. It is important for your own health that you do perform a breast examination because anyone, men or woman can be at risk. 

It’s important to note that if you are ever diagnosed with breast cancer, some symptoms you may have are a new lump in the breast, swelling of the breast, and redness on the breast. If you have any of these systems, seek medical attention to get help before cancer spreads. Like any other cancer cell, it will enter the blood streams and organs. If it gets to a certain point where the cancer cells have spread too much it can result in death. 

A student from East Side Union Soriano Trista said, “As a person who has watched my great grandmother fight cancer I’ve noticed that she’s never lost her strength because there will always be family by her side caring for her.” Breast cancer can affect your friends and family, it’s important that you stay by their side while they are fighting. 

According to Cancer.Net, these are some ways to support cancer patients. “Continuing friendships and regular activities after a cancer diagnosis is a great way to further the healing process. Do not forget that friends also need encouragement and support after cancer treatment has finished. After treatment, your friend will be trying to find his or her ‘new normal in this next phase of life. Friendships are an important part of that. With these practical suggestions in mind, your friendship can make a lasting difference to a person living with cancer.” 

When cancer patients have hope and are strong throughout the process it can assist them greatly. Making a person who is going through a life-threatening condition feel like they can do anything, can help them recover.