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Throughout the month of October, organizations across the country are participating in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise attention for the disease.
You can see people across our campus spreading the awareness, as well. There is hardly anyone anymore who hasn’t been touched by the effects of cancer in some way. Campaigns similar to the ones we see at U of I strive to educate college students and support the cause.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide, and estimates that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed this year.
It is undeniable that breast cancer is prevalent in our society, and it is important for college women to learn about the risk factors and help prevent the disease.
The Illini Hockey team devoted their game on Saturday, Oct. 5 to promoting breast cancer awareness month. “Paint the Pond Pink” is becoming an annual event for the team, raising money for breast cancer research through ticket sales and a silent auction.
Center of the Illini Hockey team, Matt Welch, said that doing events like this helps show what a difference just a few people could make.
“I think it’s important that we do these games because it raises awareness,” said Welch, a senior in AHS. “We raise a lot of money for research which is really outstanding because it shows we do have an impact.”
The players donned pink jerseys and socks for the event, and the game-worn jerseys were used as the silent auction items. According to Welch, the event will continue to take place in the future, as many of the players have been directly affected by breast cancer and want to continue to support research.
Another group of students we can always expect big things from in October is Colleges Against Cancer (CAC). CAC is made up of college students who partner with the American Cancer Society to educate students on campus about breast cancer.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, CAC hosts “Pink Week,” where they sell breast cancer awareness shirts on the Quad. This year’s Pink Week will take place on Monday Oct. 14 through Friday Oct. 18. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the American Cancer Society.
(Pink Week Photo)
The organization will also offer cancer education materials and pink ribbons for students to wear to show their support.
Senior and CAC president, Kaitlyn Kestel, says that this week is particularly important to females on campus.
“At our Pink Week booth, we have pamphlets on how to perform a breast self-exam as well as other breast cancer information,” said Kestel. “It is important for students to be aware of the dangers of cancer as well as for them to have someone to turn to if they are affected.”
Some college students participate in behaviors that put them at high risk for diseases like cancer later in life, such as binge drinking. CAC aims to educate the student body on how to prevent things like that from happening. By joining the nation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, CAC is hoping Collegiates will take the time to get educated on the issue.
“October is one of my favorite months,” admitted Kestel. “Considering breast cancer is so prevalent in America, it is extremely powerful to see so many people united for the same cause”
 To learn more about Colleges Against Cancer, email cacUofI@gmail.com.
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