To recognize the women—and small number of men—who have fought and continue to fight the battle against breast cancer, the American Cancer Society has declared October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. Not only has it been marked as a time of reflection, but also a period for awareness and education.

In Santa Clara County alone, there will be 1,330 new diagnoses this year and 188 deaths. In California, 22,050 women and 135 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Of outstanding cases, 4,080 women and 25 men are expected to die from the disease.

However, the good news is this—the American Cancer Society says taking a pro-active course of early detection and regular check-ups is a surefire way to decrease the chances of a life-threatening battle with cancer.

"After turning 40 years old, women need to get yearly mammography and clinical breast exams," says ACS marketing and communications director Angie Carrillo. "A mammogram is best, but it is not the only tool you should use. Also have a clinical exam and perform regular self-exams."

Individuals at the highest risk are those with a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The risk is lowest for those under 40 years of age; however, Carrillo says, it is still important to perform routine self-exams and have a clinical check-up at least every three years.

Shelly Barsanti, a Monte Sereno resident and chairwoman for the ACS, was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago, after detecting a lump during a self-exam. The find came as a shock to her, as she had been a volunteer with the ACS for over a year, helping with a friend whose family member was afflicted.

"There is no cancer in my family, so I was shocked," she says. "But because of the education and knowledge I received through volunteering, I ended up having a lot more options."

After deciding to have a lumpectomy, Barsanti ultimately needed to have a mastectomy 10 days later, followed by six cycles of chemotherapy. "I didn't get sick, but I did have hair loss. I wore a wig for a year, but considering that chemo was saving my life, I got over that pretty quickly," she says. Fortunately, the treatment worked to eradicate Barsanti's cancer.

"I felt really lucky because I continued on with my life and activities. I did what I wanted to do, and I felt empowered by taking the treatment to be well. It's empowering to feel like you have some control and are doing everything you can to get better," Barsanti says. "Once you are diagnosed with cancer, you live life to the fullest every day. You have a new perspective on what's important in your life."

By taking advantage of all the services offered, Barsanti was inspired to become even more involved. In 1997, she served on a committee to found Healthy Young Attitudes, a support group for patients between 25 and 35 years old. Although 45 years old herself, Barsanti recognized the special needs of a group that had different issues facing them due to their age. She also began volunteering with the Look Good, Feel Better program, in which cosmetologists help women with makeup, skin care, and scarf tying, as well as provide free wigs.

"It was interesting because I could share my experiences, even with the cosmetologists. The side effects of treatment can be as psychologically hard to deal with as the physical," she says. "It hurt when I lost my hair, and there are little things you don't know about—how your nails and skin change, the taste in your mouth—the things you don't think about.

"It really makes a difference to patients when they can get information and feel like they're back in the driver's seat. You want to understand what's going on, what you can do, and where you can go."

Although efforts to fight breast cancer are continually ongoing, the Bay Area is hosting a special fundraising event on Oct. 26 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Making Strides will host a five-mile walk to raise awareness and money to fund research, community education, and patient service programs through the American Cancer Society. For more information, visit http://www.cancer.org/stridesonline or call 877.906.7222.