Like most women, Leila Lopez lives in fear everyday that she might be diagnosed with breast cancer, the number one cause of death among women next to skin cancer. Breast cancer runs in her family which increases her chance of contracting the cancer.

“I do my self-exam everyday,” said Lopez, an employee at Spur Western Wear located at 509 E. Allen St. “Yes, I am very worried.”

October 1 marked the beginning of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Across the country, men and women unite to fight for a cure of breast cancer.

Breast cancer rates have dropped as of 2004 according to the Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 2004, there have been less then five new reported cases of breast cancer in Tombstone according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. The women of Tombstone are making sure to keep up with their yearly mammograms.

While it has not been determined exactly what causes breast cancer, the American Cancer Society said there are many risk factors that can induce it. There are two types of risk factors, ones people can change in their everyday lifestyle and others that are not under one’s control.

According to the American Cancer Society, risk factors that are not under one’s control include gender, aging, genetics and race.

“My mother had breast cancer,” said Nikki Duhamel of Annie’s Place located at 514 E. Allen St. “I am very nervous.”

Duhamel gives herself examinations as well as receiving yearly mammograms.

“I think I am more aware then others because breast cancer runs in my family,” said Lori Allen, employee of Apothecary Shoppe Museum. Allen has a mammogram every year.

“I like talking to people and making sure everyone is aware and I encourage mammograms,” Allen said.

While many risk factors cannot be controlled, there are life-changing decisions women can make to lower their risk of breast cancer including not drinking much alcohol, exercising and having a healthy diet.

“I don’t drink,” said Duhamel. “They also told me to quit caffeine, but I don’t stop that.”

“I just take care of myself and try not to eat a lot of additives,” said Tanya O’Neill. “I try to eat a lot of fresh veggies and fruits.”

While many women in Tombstone make sure they are taking care of their bodies and health, others don’t let it affect their everyday life.

“I don’t have health insurance,” said Susan Hernandez of Casa Paloma located at 18 S. 5th St. Hernandez says overall she is healthy and hopes she will not get breast cancer.

“I am taking the ostrich approach and sticking my head in the sand.”