National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer and prevention which are essential elements of the battle with breast cancer.

If breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 90%. The most common screening methods are self and clinical breast exams, x-ray mammography, and breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Another method is genetic testing, which allows the genetic diagnosis of vulnerabilities to inherited diseases. Genetic testing includes biochemical tests to identify the possible presence of genetic diseases, or mutant forms of the genes which may be associated with an increased risk of developing genetic disorders. Genetic testing for breast cancer involves testing for mutations in the BRCA genes. The method is recommended for those at elevated risk of breast cancer.

One of the earliest signs of breast cancer can be an abnormality that shows up on a mammogram before it can be felt. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, as they can detect breast cancer up to two years before it is large enough to be felt. Regular mammograms are often recommended as a preventive measure, particularly for women over the age of forty-five, who have a greater incidence of breast cancer.

The pink ribbon is the universal symbol of breast cancer. Many people will wear pink during the month of October, as a sign that they still hope to win the battle with breast cancer, a disease which kills thousands of women each year. In this way, they show their support for breast cancer survivors and their hope to get more women to be screened for breast cancer.