Did you know a 2009 Walter Reed Army Medical Center study found that women in the armed forces have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who have never served? In fact, the sobering statistic is 19 percent higher for white women and 37 percent higher for black women. It’s unknown if military women’s risk factors are higher (increased exposure to hazardous chemicals, hostile territories, stress) or if more diligent medical screenings provided to military women help detect the disease.

You can make a statement for all women with a Carpet One Welcome a Cure Pink Ribbon Mat to help raise money for breast cancer research. Twenty-five percent of each mat’s price (suggested retail $24.99) is donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation: http://www.bcrfcure.org/. I have the Patriotic one and I am hosting a giveaway for one of my US readers to win.

I think you’ll love it. The mats are all made in America, tough and functional. They’re whimsical, fashionable or fun, and include a patriotic stars and stripes-inspired mat. And most important, the mats are available all year long, because for many families, breast cancer awareness doesn’t just last a month.