October is the month of cooler temperatures, leaves changing colors, and kids running around in scary costumes.

It’s also a month to wear pink.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a time of meaningful reflection for many American families. Around 180,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year in American women. While the disease is treatable, especially if it’s discovered early, it also has a significant impact on families.

If your breast cancer diagnosis is tied to genetics, it’s difficult – if not impossible – to prevent a diagnosis. Angelina Jolie, whose mother and grandmother died from ovarian cancer, went to drastic measures to avoid developing cancer by having a double mastectomy two years ago. Jolie, 39, recently had her fallopian tubes and ovaries removed after a recent blood test showed a possible early sign of cancer. Jolie had tested possible for a gene – the susceptibility to develop breast cancer gene – before she had surgery.

Women should perform regular breast exams, report any concerns to their physician and have mammograms as ordered by their doctors. The best way to fight breast cancer is with early detection. Battling the disease isn’t a woman’s only options. She can work to avoid the disease.

There are measures women can take to lower your cancer risk factor:

• Smoking is a risk factor, which can be eliminated if women cease smoking or never take up the nasty habit.
• Regular exercise can help women avoid obesity and developing other cancers like breast and colon cancer and heart disease. Studies show an active lifestyle can lower the risk of breast cancer by 20 to 40 percent compared to women with a sedentary lifestyle.
• Eat a healthy diet. Colon cancer is attracted to a poor diet high in cholesterol and red meat, while a healthy diet of fruit, vegetables and low-fat protein can reduce the risk of stomach and gall bladder cancer.

So what does wearing pink mean? It says you show support for the Pink Ribbon campaign to raise money for breast cancer research. Over the course of the year, there are a variety of fundraisers held including a three-day, 60-mile walk.

The following events are being held this month in the Dallas/Fort Worth area:

• The West Village is hosting a block party on Oct. 9. There will be special activities, free food and music.
• Tommy Bahama is donating 10 percent of its sales between 1- 6 p.m. on Oct. 11 to the Susan G. Komen Dallas County.
• Between Oct. 2-31 Twisted Root in Deep Ellum, Richardson and SMU is selling a special milkshake and will donate $1 from each drink sold.
• A private shopping event at David Yurman in North Park Center is donating 10 percent of its sales between 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 29.
• Dancing For The Cure will be Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. The event will feature dance performers at the Dallas City Performance Hall.

Pink is also a color in fashion and many women like to make a statement while wearing pink.

• Sharon Wei Designs has a jewelry line – The Pink Collection – honoring cancer survivors.
• Komen Dallas County has a collection of eco-friendly fashion tops and 10 percent of sales go to the affiliate. The clothing is made from recycled materials.
• The Pink Ribbon campaign comes in T-shirts, sleep wear, aprons and hoodies.