The strength of the human spirit is often difficult to describe. Normally it is something that can only be witnessed. When the world witnessed celebrities like Christina Applegate and Giuliana Rancic and most recently Angelina Jolie go head-to-head with Breast Cancer, we were reminded of how strong the human spirit can be in the darkest of times. As we enter the month of September, the magazine is preparing for the next issue and the month of October is all about giving back and Breast Cancer Awareness. So we wanted to compile a list of a few of our favorite Breast Cancer Awareness items to get you ready for October.

These items can be found on Lisa Leonard Designs, Unique Vintage and Our Gift of Time.

Breast cancer affects one in eight women during their lives. Breast cancer kills more women in the United States than any cancer except lung cancer. No one knows why some women get breast cancer, but there are a number of risk factors. Risks that you cannot change include

• Age – the chance of getting breast cancer rises as a woman gets older
• Genes – there are two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, that greatly increase the risk. Women who have family members with breast or ovarian cancer may wish to be tested.
• Personal factors – beginning periods before age 12 or going through menopause after age 55

Other risks include being overweight, using hormone replacement therapy (also called menopausal hormone therapy), taking birth control pills, drinking alcohol, not having children or having your first child after age 35 or having dense breasts.

Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. Breast self-exam andmammography can help find breast cancer early when it is most treatable. Treatment may consist of radiation, lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.

Worthy Magazine will be promoting awareness and celebrating survivors of Breast Cancer. We would love for you to share your stories and comments with us.