October. What a beautiful, bountiful time of year on the East End. It brings us the fall foliage, harvest crops, high school football, spectacular sunsets and Halloween excitement.

But lately there have been more pink sightings than orange all in the name of a cause.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout Long Island, organizations are sponsoring walks, concerts and benefits to raise money and awareness. Recently 55,000 people walked at Jones Beach for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Libraries, hospitals and community outreach programs are hosting seminars to inform and educate the public about the disease.  

Southampton Hospital is hosting the Real Men Wear Pink Campaign and a meeting with Dr. Edna Valdes, a local breast surgeon. Tanger Outlets in Riverhead is hosting their annual TangerStyle in Pink Campaign, offering a 25 percent discount to those who donate just $1 to research funds.  Even National Football League athletes are donning pink gear in the name of supporting women's health.  

If you haven't already joined in on the pink revolution, here is some information men and women alike should know and share with friends and family.

1. Know your body. Many cancers are found incidentally. Performing a monthly breast self exam with familiarize you with your body's topography so that changes are more easily recognizable. Each month, after your cycle ends, you should inspect your breasts in a mirror and perform the manual exam.  You'll need to learn how to palpate your breasts and underarms for suspicious lumps.  Ask your physician to instruct you on the technique for performing the self exam or you can visit the American Cancer Society website for Breast Self Awareness and Early Detection.  

2. Know the symptoms of breast cancer. Several findings should be brought to your doctor's attention: breast or underarm lumps that are firm and usually non tender, nipple inversion or discharge, skin color or texture changes that appear reddish orange or dimpled like the surface of an orange, changes in the shape or symmetry of one of your breasts.   

3. Know your personal risk. Your family history, race, age at your first period, number of pregnancies and overall health status can change the recommendations for your individual screening.  Speak with your doctor about when and what type of screening is most appropriate for you. Depending upon your own personal risk factors, you may require earlier, more frequent or more advanced imaging studies. Cancer syndromes exist that may also require screening for other types of related cancers. You can use the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool to help determine your likelihood of developing invasive cancer.

4. Know the guidelines for screening. In general, women age 40 and over should have a yearly mammogram. Women under 40 should have a clinical breast exam about every three years and may benefit from performing a monthly breast self exam. The decision to discontinue screening mammograms is dependent upon many clinical factors and should be discussed with your physician. Women with breast implants can and should be screened with both mammograms and clinical breast exams.  

5. Know what to expect. Fear of discomfort or a bad result are common reasons women delay scheduling their mammograms. Most imaging centers will offer information to prior to the actual exam so you are prepared. Probably the best source of information is the women who have had a mammogram. Talk to your friends and family so you know what to expect. Know that although they aren't the most comfortable test you could have, a mammogram should not be painful. And most studies that report a suspicious finding and require additional images turn out to be benign.  The Mayo Clinic offers an excellent video depicting the process.

6. Know that men can get breast cancer too. Although it is extremely rare, about 400 men will die from breast cancer this year.  There is currently no evidence that routine screening for breast cancer in men is beneficial. However, men should be aware that there are certain risk factors that could predispose them to breast cancer. Men, like women should immediately bring any suspicious changes to their doctor's attention because early detection means early treatment and improved prognosis.  

The North Fork abounds with vibrant fall colors and proudly supports the pink initiatives. For more information about screening, local services and events, support groups and centers of breast health excellence, visit the North Fork Breast Health Coalition.

Join the pink revolution by donating time or money to organizations such as Pink Ribbon International or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Dr. Alexis Hugelmeyer is a board-certified family physician based on the North Fork who currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Osteopathic Internship and as a Hospitalist at Southampton Hospital. For more information on her education, training, philosophy and practice, you can visit her website at www.dralexis.blogspot.com.