(PRNewswire) — In October we celebrate the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Are there any reasons to observe it? The answer is a definitive “yes.”

Since 1990, the death rate from breast cancer has been declining. The research, funded mostly by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), have improved our understanding of breast cancer and have produced more effective treatments.

The outlook for U.S. Hispanic women is mixed. Although Hispanics are less likely to develop breast cancer than non-Hispanic white women, more than 17,100 Hispanics will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and more than 2,400 will die from the disease. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Hispanic women in the U.S. and the leading cause of cancer deaths in this group. Research shows that it is more likely that Hispanic women are diagnosed after their breast cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage than non-Hispanic white women. And Hispanic women are more likely to die from breast cancer than non-Hispanic white women diagnosed at the same age and in the same stage of disease.

The good news is that information is powerful. Become well informed. And, as always, talk to your health care provider about your concerns.

Here we detail what you need to know about breast cancer:

Ÿ Breast cancer is a cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobes (glands that make milk). This happens in both men and women, however, breast cancer in men is rare.

Ÿ About 225,870 women and 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. More than 17,100 of all people diagnosed will be Hispanic women. But, more than 4 out of 5 Hispanic women diagnosed with breast cancer will survive at least five years following diagnosis.

Ÿ Mammograms are X-Rays of the breasts that can be used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs of the disease. This type of mammogram is called selective detection mammogram. Early detection of breast cancer with a selective detection mammography means that treatment can be started earlier in the course of the disease, probably before it has spread. If you are 40 years or older, you should have a mammogram every 1 or 2 years. Women with a higher risk than the average risk of developing breast cancer should talk to their health care provider about when to have a mammogram before turning 40 and how often it should be done. Some state and local health programs provide free or low-cost mammograms.

Ÿ Do not ignore any symptoms. If you notice a change in how your breasts look or how they feel, consult your health care provider. Most changes will not be due to breast cancer, but these should always be examined.

Ÿ Many risk factors for breast cancer have been identified. Risk factors are anything that increases your chance of developing a disease. Some risk factors for breast cancer can not be changed (such as age or family history of breast cancer), while others can. But having a risk factor does not mean you will get breast cancer. To better understand your risk of breast cancer, read the NCI publication “What is a mammogram and how to understand the risk you have of developing breast cancer” in Spanish or English.

Ÿ Women who are considering hormone therapy for menopause should know that the combination therapy, which includes both estrogen and progestin, increases your risk of developing breast cancer.

Ÿ Research has shown that physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Try to exercise as part of your daily life. Intense exercise for as little as four hours a week can reduce your risk.

Ÿ Being obese after having reached menopause may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Doctors know that obesity increases the risk of several diseases, so it makes sense to maintain a healthy weight at any age.

Ÿ Alcohol consumption can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor about how to reduce your alcohol consumption.

For more information about cancer, visit www.cancer.gov or call 1-800-422-6237.