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October is designated as national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most women know this and are sympathetic, but most men really don�t pay too much attention. That is, until breast cancer impacts their lives through a family member or close friend.

It�s not that men don�t care, we just don�t realize how prevalent this disease is until it strikes close to home. But, breast cancer does strike nearly 1 out every 7 women and although less frequently, breast cancer can also be diagnosed in men.

The cold slap of reality

I too, was one of these men who didn�t really give it much thought until recently. My sister just completed her last radiation treatment about three weeks ago. My awareness has been heightened because I have a wife, a daughter, two more sisters, a stepsister, a momma, and a step-momma that I love and care about. And there are countless others: sister-in-laws, nieces, cousins and friends, who could be affected each day.

For those affected, every month is Breast Cancer Awareness month

I have come to understand that for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, every month is breast cancer awareness month. For these women:

• every time that she goes for a mamogram
• every time she checks herself for a lump
• every time she sees a pink ribbon
• every time a friend is diagnosed with breast cancer
• every time that she watches a television program about breast cancer
• every time she flips through a magazine and reads an article about breast cancer

�she is aware of breast cancer and it�s devastating affects. Yet, most men see the same pink ribbons and television shows and say to themselves, �That�s just for women and it doesn�t affect me�. Until it does strike someone they love.

Everyone is affected by Breast Cancer

You are either a woman or you love one, so let�s all be more conscious of breast cancer everyday � not just in October.