It seems as if everyone you encounter these days has a close friend or relative that has been affected by Breast Cancer. October is the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to show my support, after donating money for research, I wear pink every day in October. I have a pink hair extension, and I wear an article or two of pink in my clothes and accessories. It seems to be just a small action to show people who are suffering, survivors, or family members of victims, that they are not alone, and that members of our community support them and/or their families in this cause. In the United States alone, one (1) out of eight (8) women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are being female (although some men do contract breast cancer) and aging. Approximately 95 percent of breast cancers in the United States are in Women 40 years and older, but that leaves another five (5) percent of women under 40. Breast cancer deaths have been declining since 1990 thanks to early detection, better medical breakthroughs with the screening processes, increased awareness, and new treatment options. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women, and with early detection, by getting your mammogram each year, this statistic can be dramatically reduced. Show your mothers, aunts, sisters and cousins that you care about them and have them make an appointment to have their mammogram done (if they are over 40 or for whatever other reason they are at high risk). Only a small percentage of breast cancer is genetic, so do not think because your mother did not have this dreadful disease that you are automatically safe, get tested today. There are things you can do, not only medically to get your life in order, but financially to ensure that you have saved enough money for any necessary treatment, that you have legal documents on how you want your treatment to proceed in the chance that you cannot communicate (living will/ health care surrogate). You want to make sure your personal affairs can still be taken care of if you are unavailable due to being at a necessary appointment (power of attorney). You do not have to be ill to want to take care of these issues for you and your family. At Schwam-Wilcox & Associates, we can help you organize your personal needs so you can have less stress and more stability and security in your life