October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year marks the 25th anniversary of NBCA, a health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities such as the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. AstraZeneca, which manufactures breast cancer drugs, founded NBCA.

The Susan G. Komen foundation established the three-day walk for the cure in 1983. The event is now held in more than 100 U.S. cities and welcomes 1.3 million people a year. In the fall of 1991, the SKF handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York race, now, thousands of products use the pink ribbon to promote NBCA and help raise money for the American Cancer Society. More than $100 million was raised from products last year.

Every year the National Breast Cancer Foundation puts on an event called The Pink Ribbon Challenge. It raises money to provide free mammograms for women with the help from celebrities, radio stations and businesses. The money collected is distributed to clinics, missions, hospitals and mobile mammography units by the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Several businesses and organizations are getting involved to raise money for finding a cure. This year, businesses such as Safeway, Macy’s, Target and the NFL—who incorporate the color pink into their uniforms—all fundraised for breast cancer research.

The National Cancer Institute predicts one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. The biggest challenge ACS is facing is 42 percent of women who were offered a free MRI refused to do the test. The best way to fight cancer is to get tested. An MRI is helpful in detecting early malignancies and can save lives. The NCI suggests women start getting mammograms as early as 18.

Breast cancer awareness is not only limited to women. Men are encouraged to support the cause as well. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

For more information on Breast Cancer ask your doctor or SRJC student health services.