The
SpringHillian October 22, 2015
Volume 101 Issue 3
Ad Majorem Del Gloriam
Spring Hill Badgers Think Pink By: Megan Anthony Reporter In case the pink shirts and pink paper towels in the bathrooms have gone unnoticed, October is breast cancer awareness month. A month dedicated to bringing awareness to a disease that has been a part in all of our lives in some way. According to Breastcancer.org, in the United States alone, just under 300,000 women are estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year along with 2,350 men. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, a ratio that is closing in from one in eleven in 1979 due to longer life expectancy says cityofhope.org. About 85% of new breast cancer cases belong to women who have no history of breast cancer in their family. As the second leading cause of death among women, about 40,000 will die in 2015 from the disease and 440 men. 29% of all cancer diagnoses are breast cancer. The leading cause for breast cancer: being a woman. There is no question that this disease is terrifying and faith crushing. Those diagnosed face treatments that could bring the strongest person to their knees and it doesn’t stop there. Many women face physical disfigurement in hopes of killing the cancerous cells. Loved ones also face a long road ahead, “I come from such a large family and we live all over the country. When my aunts got sick, it really brought my family together. We knew it would be a tough road ahead. It was hard seeing women that I have always looked up
to seem so fragile.” Says sophomore, Morgan Murphy. The good news is that with every passing day we are coming closer to a cure. Millions of dollars have been raised for research to end breast cancer. Many campaigns have come about to bring awareness to breast cancer and to educate women on preventative measures and early detection. Finding signs of breast cancer early is key. The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin doing at home breast exams at age 20 and begin yearly mammograms at age 40. Of course, donations and participating in campaigns is the best way to make resources available for women to receive breast cancer screenings. If you are looking to get involved, on October 31st, the American Cancer Society is hosting a “Making Strides”
walk in Bienville Square on Dau- The volleyball team shows their support phin Street, at 8 a.m. Whether you for breast cancwer awareness month. choose to walk, help set up, or simPhoto by: Christian Cage ply donate, every little bit helps in the fight to end breast cancer. For more events, campaigns, and ways to donate, visit the American Cancer Society website. The estimated number of diagnoses in this year alone seem staggering, however it is also estimated that there are 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Women, and men, who didn’t give up when most people would have understood if they had. The month of October is dedicated to bringing awareness to breast cancer, but this month, and every month, lets also remember to celebrate both those who fought and won the battle against breast cancer and those who fought hard until the very end.