SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to promote early detection and offer support to those affected by the disease. Kristian Bayan is a three-year breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in 2021 in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, just before her 31st birthday. Bayan recalls receiving the phone call that would transform her life. "She said it’s treatable so let's focus on that and let’s focus on next steps. of course, I broke down later and cried and that’s natural and what we all need to do in these moments," Bayan explained. Bayan’s cancer was caught early and on a whim during a breast self-examination. "I just happened to be doing it one day and felt a lump that I had never felt before," she recalled. Doctors recommend most women wait until the age of 40 before getting routine mammograms. However, new research by the American Cancer Society shows a trend which Bayan falls into. "There does tend to be increases in breast cancer in younger individuals too and that might reflect in part many things," according to Medical Director of Scripps Cancer Center, Dr. Thomas Buchholz. Buchholz said having children later in life is one potential risk factor for developing breast cancer. He added that keeping a healthy weight, staying active, and not drinking alcohol or drinking in moderation can reduce the risk. While the ACS report shows cases of breast cancer are increasing due to a longer lifespan, Buchholz explained that “the very good news is the declining death rate and that’s a reflection of our ability to detect the disease early through screening.” For Bayan, making a career change and finding her strength post-cancer has inspired her to offer support to others through local nonprofit Pink Strength, which she is the co-founder and president of. For full details on the American Cancer Society’s most recent report, click here. For information on where free breast cancer screenings are available, click here.