Gov. Pat Quinn declared October 2012 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Illinois to educate residents about breast cancer and to underscore the importance of early detection through monthly breast self-exams and annual mammograms. The Illinois State Cancer Registry projects that 9,400 women in Illinois will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 1,890 will lose their lives to breast cancer in 2012.

“Prevention and early detection of breast cancer gives us the best chance to fight this disease that has devastated the lives of so many women and their families,” Quinn said. “Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a perfect time to encourage the women in our lives to pay attention to their health and receive life-saving screenings.”

Symptoms may include: