Happy Wednesday to you!

I’d wager that all, or at least most, of you know that October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With community events like Breast Cancer Awareness walks or golf tournaments or watching football players in the NFL decked out in hot pink accessories, it’s hard to miss.

Just because it’s November—a time of turkey, giving thanks, and diving head-first into the holiday season—that doesn’t mean that women’s health issues should be placed on the back-burner.

In light of that, today I’m teaming up with my friends at Bankers Healthcare Group (who provided the helpful graphic below) to share some facts and tips on understanding breast cancer and what you can do to educate your loved ones and reduce your own risk.

In case you’re unfamiliar, BHG is a company that provides loan services to physicians, enabling doctors to do anything from expanding their practice to purchasing a car.

I’m grateful that breast cancer doesn’t seem to run in my family (my mother has never been diagnosed, nor had either one of my grandmothers—although genetics isn’t the only factor), but that doesn’t mean that I take my health lightly.

These are some of the things I do personally to maintain my health and lower my risk of developing breast cancer.

I’m physically active

As noted in the above graphic, a sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk for breast cancer (as well as a host of other ailments).

I try to eat well

My diet isn’t perfect, but I try to eat a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, grains, and legumes. I do not drink alcohol in excess, and I do not smoke cigarettes.

I breastfed my son for 12+ months

Of course some breastfeeding women do develop breast cancer (and women who solely formula feed may not), but studies have shown that you can reduce your risk by breastfeeding [source]. Since I thoroughly enjoyed our nursing relationship, even a slight chance of reducing my risk was a win-win.

I pay attention to my body

I do not “self-test” every day or even every week, but while showering, I do often check my breasts for any lumps or abnormalities.

I make sure to visit my OB/GYN annually

…and I communicate with her. Similarly, when I am of the recommended age, I will schedule regular mammograms.

The bottom line: breast cancer can be deadly and it can’t always be prevented, but with healthy choices, early intervention, up-to-date knowledge, and quality care/treatment, you can lower your risk.

Be mindful of what you put into and onto your body and make choices that empower you as a woman. If you’re currently diagnosed and undergoing treatment or if you’re a breast cancer survivor, share your story. The more we know, the better we can care for ourselves and the women in our lives.