Have you noticed a lot of pink around campus lately? Usually around sports teams and other campus organizations? That’s because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer is a horrific and potentially deadly disease that according to the American Cancer Society, kills 1 in 35 women who are diagnosed, and is the second leading cause of death in women overall.

Although most women believe that breast cancer only affects those in their 40s or older, breast cancer is a risk in to women in their early 20s as well.

Early detection is the key to preventing the illness from spreading. Breast self-examinations are an important part in the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, along with receiving clinical breast exams (CBE) at least every three years from a certified health professional.

There has been an overwhelming amount of publicity and support for breast cancer lately. In Erie, the organization Linked by Pink, is a not-for-profit group that focuses on breast cancer in the younger generations. The women who founded the organization all were diagnosed and battled the deadly disease before the age of 45.

Linked by Pink is a fantastic support group for those who are dealing with breast cancer, and they hold fundraisers for local cancer patients and their families.

They are currently selling calendars featuring women from Erie who are breast cancer survivors. These can be purchased on their website, www.linkedbypink.com.

Along with the rest of the country, Mercyhurst is also doing its part to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

Head football coach Marty Schaetzle has agreed to make a donation of $1 per point scored and $5 per takeaway (interception and fumble) during this football season, and the football program has agreed to match his donation. There is a form on the football website to privately make donations.

The Cohen Student Health Center is also giving out pink ribbons in response to Breast Cancer Awareness Month and would be more than happy to answer any questions about breast cancer, self-breast examinations or any other cancer related inquiries.

The health center will also be sponsoring a large educational venue about breast cancer during the spring trimester.

To find more information on this disease, how it’s relevant to you, or to find support groups, please visit the American Cancer Society’s website at www.cancer.org or to access their toll free, 24 hour a day hotline, call 1-800-ACS-2345.