by Taylor Cotie

October is finally here, and the traditional fall colors are everywhere. I’m not talking about red and orange, but several shades of pink, the color of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was first recognized in 1985. It was founded by the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of the Imperial Chemical Industries. Breast cancer is the most common cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American women.

So, what is breast cancer? Breast cancer occurs when breast cells mutate and grow out of control, which creates a mass tissue, also known as a tumor. It can invade and grow into other parts of your body as well. Although some may think breast cancer occurs mainly in older women, in rare cases it does affect women under the age of 45.

In the month of October, you will see pink everywhere, from sports teams to people in the community. This is to honor the survivors, remember those who lost their lives to the disease and to support the progression we are making all together to defeat breast cancer.

Over the past several years, various awareness campaigns have saved women’s lives and have brought light to breast cancer. It is so important to raise awareness about this illness because thousands of lives can be saved each year if people are more aware of the signs and symptoms of it. Many tend to think breast cancer can only affect women and although it is more common in women, the illness can also affect men.

To help support Breast Cancer Awareness month, GC has created an “On Wednesdays We Wear Pink” day, so all students and staff can help support by wearing pink on Wednesdays. When passing by the Pride Field, you may have also seen pink flags on display around the whole field. This is for the memory and honor of those affected by or fighting this illness. If students would like to add one of their own, they can stop by the health center to make one for free.

Want a GC for the CURE T-shirt? Stop by the health center and grab yourself a pink or gray shirt for only $15. All proceeds go towards the Relay for Life at Greensboro College.