This is part of a sponsored campaign with P&G and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  I think we all know someone that has has been affected by cancer. My prima passed away from cancer when I was a teen. She was 38, the same age I am now, and even as a teenager, I remember how devastating it was to lose someone so dear to us, especially since she was a young mother and left children behind. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Latinas and in the U.S., a Latina dies of breast cancer every 90 minutes!!

Orgullosa has teamed up with Liga Contra el Cancer, a center dedicated to providing free cancer services for underserved patients. They are helping Latinas to support one another in early cancer detection and prevention.

I had the opportunity to participate in a Facebook chat, sponsored by Orgullosa, featuring breast cancer survivor, Adamari Lopez and oncologist, Dr. De La Rosa. I learned so much about early cancer detection. The one fact that I’ve thought about for this past week, is that if breast cancer is caught during stage 1, there is a 98% survival rate at the 5 year mark. It reinforced just how important our self exams and yearly mammogram screenings are.

Here are some other facts I learned about early cancer detection:

• Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the No. 1 cause of cancer deaths among Latinas.

• One U.S. Latina dies of breast cancer every 90 minutes.

• For Hispanic women, breast cancer is detected at an advanced stage more often than in non-Hispanic whites. This difference has been largely attributed to lower frequency of and longer intervals between mammograms, and lack of timely follow-up of suspicious mammograms.
• Make sure to look for any changes, discoloring, anything in your breasts. Get yourself checked out!
• You should also make sure to check your neck and armpits during your monthly self exams.

During the month of October, Orgullosa will donate $1 to the Liga Contra el Cancer, for every new Facebook like. So what are you waiting for, go like the Orgullosa Facebook page and lets make sure we are all looking out for each other. Together we are #orgullosastrong .