October is a time when we come together to honor the courage of breast cancer survivors, remember those we've lost, and spread awareness about this important issue. It's a month filled with compassion and solidarity, and one of the most recognizable ways to show our support is by wearing pink. This symbol, which began with the Susan G. Komen Foundation in the early 1990s, has become a powerful representation of hope and unity in the fight against breast cancer.

The statistics surrounding breast cancer remind us just how important our efforts are:

• Approximately 1 in 8 women (13.1%) will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in her lifetime, highlighting the need for awareness and self-examinations.
• About 1 in 24 women (4.2%) will lose their battle with the disease, with risk factors increasing with age.
• On a hopeful note, the 5-year relative survival rate for all stages of breast cancer combined is an encouraging 91%.
• For those diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate has become an incredible 99%.