because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

If you’ve been seeing more pink ribbons around the last few days, that’s because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — and many young women are leading the charge for the cause by sharing their diagnoses on social media. Breast cancer is rarer in younger women, but also more difficult to catch, as regular screenings aren’t recommended until age 50. Some of those who have received diagnoses young are now using platforms like Instagram to raise awareness, especially when it comes to self examinations. “Hearing about breast cancer is sad and scary but it’s real, so we have to be aware of our risk and continue to have conversations like this to help save lives,” Diamonique Valentine, who is now cancer-free, recently wrote to her 150,000 followers. Learn more about self-screening here, or consider donating to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation this month.