October is celebrated for its many events including Columbus Day, Hispanic heritage month and Halloween. More importantly, October is dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Americans have celebrated breast cancer awareness month since 1985 and are continuing to do so in efforts to increase early detection of the disease. Being the most common form of cancer, many women of all races are being diagnosed with breast cancer. Approximately 1 in 8 American women develop breast cancer and about 40,000 of those U.S. women are expected to die in 2014. Thankfully, these numbers have decreased since the 90’s and will hopefully continue to decline. Breast cancer awareness month has had a tremendous effect on the U.S. population and has influenced many women to start getting mammogram tests done to identify the cancer in its early stages, making it easier to treat.

Since the cancer is so prevalent in the United States, a great deal of people have relatives and loved ones that are affected by the fatal disease.

“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was in her early 20’s. She fought through the disease for 20 years until it became too overwhelming and she passed away” said Maria Paula Mendoza, 10.

“Every year, I make sure to participate in a breast cancer awareness month event to support all the women fighting the disease. This year, I joined a ‘Think Pink’ club at my school and we help raise money to support breast cancer awareness. This Saturday, we are going to participate in the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Walk at the Amalie Arena” added Mendoza, “It feels good knowing you’re doing something to help the cause.”

Colleges are also creating events to spread national awareness. Many students join these events to raise money for the American Cancer society.

Allison Cheung, FSU student, recently participated in one of these events. “Last weekend, I did a 5k sponsored by a sorority here. It was a huge success and about 1,000 people showed up. It was really awesome seeing many people come out to support the organization and raise money for a good cause. I ran for my mom who has been successfully fighting cancer for about five years. I’m so proud of her for having the strength to continuously ward off the disease.”

Visit this site to find an event near you: http://jointhepinkarmy.com/events.php?action=show&type=county

FSA Connection Questions:

1. The author suggests what main idea?
2. Find two sentences in the article that support the main idea
3. The word “overwhelming” means…
4. Use the word “Overwhelming” in a sentence.
5. Summarize the article in one sentence.