Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer is a cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Health advocates named October as the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month since 1985 when it was first launched to raise awareness and research funds. Many charities support this annual international health campaign in order to educate people on what are the risks of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, after the non-melanoma skin cancer. Men get breast cancer too, though much less frequently than women. For every 100 cases in women, one man gets breast cancer, according to the CDC.

What steps can be taken to reduce the risk? Regular exercise and controlling your weight can help, experts say. So can limiting the amount of alcohol you drink.

Regular mammograms can be helpful too. But it's also important to know the warning signs of breast cancer.These include:

New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit). 

Thickening or swelling of part of the breast. 

Irritation or dimpling of breast skin. 

Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast. 

Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area. 

Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood. 

Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.  Pain in any area of the breast.