October is breast cancer awareness month and people should be aware of their bodies. Oct. 1 is the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer happens when a normal cell becomes atypical. Dr. Lynn Choi, a breast cancer surgeon at Albany Medical Center Hospital, encourages everyone to know their bodies – if they or their partner notice a lump or if they have some pain or nipple discharge. Dr. Choi says they’re seeing an increase in the rate of breast cancer among women 45 and younger.