October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. We’re asking students and faculty to WEAR PINK THIS FRIDAY, October 23, in support of the millions of women past and present fighting this disease, and in the hope that we can one day find a cure.
In the middle of a pandemic, it is easy to forget that Breast Cancer is still attacking women, young and old. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, (NBCF) 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2020, it is expected that well over 300,000 women will be diagnosed, and more than 42,000 will die.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. Treatment can be long and painful. Sometimes patients have to go through chemotherapy, radiation treatments, hormone therapy, major surgery, or a combination of these. Each case is different, but breast cancer is is a major health concern for women all over the world.
Is pink perhaps not your color? Well, here are a couple of facts to consider:
- Think about the women in your life who you care about; mothers, grandmothers, sisters, cousins, friends, and classmates. That number is probably way more than eight. At least one of them is likely to face this disease in their lifetime. Someone you know and care about is likely to face breast cancer.
- Although it’s rare, men get breast cancer too. NBCF estimates that 2,620 men will get breast cancer, and 520 will die.
Every two minutes another woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s just about how long you’ve been reading this article. Let’s show Hartford just how much Bulkeley cares. Wear pink on Friday, October 23, and let’s take a stand against breast cancer.
