CHICAGO, IL - Governor Pat Quinn has declared October as Breast Cancer Awareness month in Illinois.
 
In a statement released Tuesday, the governor encouraged women to lower their risk of breast cancer through monthly self-examinations and mammograms.
 
The Illinois Department of Public Health says breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women.
 
The Illinois Cancer Registry estimates 1,890 women statewide will die from breast cancer this year, and about 9,400 women will be diagnosed with the disease.
 
Women may lower their risk of breast cancer by exercising regularly, controlling their weight, knowing their family history of breast cancer and limiting alcohol consumption.