The month of October is popular for many things, but one of the most visible hallmarks of this month is Breast Cancer Awareness. One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and the effects can be frightening and stressful.

“Cancer affects each person differently,” said Michele Brown, R.N. 

Brown, health sciences teacher and sponsor for Health Occupants Students of America, said when a person is diagnosed they are categorized in one of four stages from I to IV. The higher the number, the more severe the case.

“Early detection is key in the fight against breast cancer. Breast cancer that goes undetected can spread to other parts of the body, and make the fight so much harder,” Brown said.

She encourages people to be informed of the symptoms and seek medical attention quickly.

“The more educated we all are on the signs and symptoms to watch for the more likely you are to seek treatment in a timely manner and beat this dreaded disease,” Brown said.

Furthermore, Brown talks about how to raise Breast Cancer Awareness.

“The pink out theme is a great way to draw awareness to such a terrible disease,” Brown said.

Finally, Brown discusses what we, as individuals, can do to help if we are going through or know somebody going through breast cancer.

“Provide love and support. A person can’t beat breast cancer alone. It’s a team effort.  Having the love and support of not only your family and friends, but your entire medical team makes for a much stronger fight,” said Brown.

Many campuses support Breast Cancer Awareness by holding pink-out games. Come support out Titan’s football team Thursday, October 19th, at the Ford Center at 7:00 as they take on the Reedy Lions.