Md. government house lit pink

The Maryland Government House was lit pink this weekend in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation defines breast cancer as a disease “in which malignant  cells form in the tissues of the breast. The damaged cells can invade surrounding tissue, but with early detection and treatment, most people continue a normal life.”

According to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, almost 5,000 Marylanders will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the year 2015.

In a Facebook post Sunday, the 62nd governor of Maryland said “It’s crucial that we raise awareness and help educate people on the steps they can take to prevent and fight this type of cancer. Through awareness and education we can save lives, spread hope, and defeat cancer.”

The National Breast Cancer Foundation reports, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. They say although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

For more information on early detection and treatment, visit their website.