Besides its association with Halloween and the transition from summer to fall, October is also  Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Young women need to be aware of the risks of this cancer.

According to the National Breast Cancer  Foundation, one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of  hundreds of thousands each year.

Although men are also affected by the disease, such cases are less common. One in a thousand men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and about 410 men each year will die from it.

Women with a family history of breast cancer, are prone to weight gain, drink excessive amounts of alcohol or are smokers have a higher risk of getting breast cancer. Other factors that increase the risk of getting the disease include environmental pollutants, exposure to radiation or having endogenous hormone levels after menopause.

The American Cancer Society says that women can reduce their risk of getting breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, being active, and by eating a balanced diet with emphasis on vegetables and leafy greens.

Those affected by breast cancer that is discovered it in its early stages and receive treatment can continue to live normally. Treatments include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

To help raise awareness in the community, supporters of breast cancer awareness often sport the color pink, donate and fundraise for breast cancer research or volunteer at breast cancer awareness events.