Sports

GCC’s Volleyball Team Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

by Keara Dwyer
October 7, 2024

Number 14, Ashely Blair, sporting a pink jersey and a pink ribbon

The GCC Cougars volleyball team had a game against Erie Community College on Thursday October 3rd, and in support of breast cancer awareness, every attendant was invited to wear pink. All the players and coaches also wore pink to raise awareness for this important cause. The players wore pink jerseys with blue letters and numbers, and the liberos wore blue jerseys with pink letters and numbers. Some of the girls sparkled with pink and blue glitter, and all of them wore pink ribbons in their hair.

Globally around 670,000 people die each year from breast cancer, both men and women alike. Between 85% and 95% of people survive it each year as well. October became breast cancer awareness month in 1985. It started off as a week-long event sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the Imperial Chemical Industries, now part of AstraZeneca, producer of several anti-breast cancer drugs. [from Wikipedia] Professional sports teams began wearing pink during their games in support of breast cancer awareness in 2001.

The action of supporting breast cancer awareness helps support those who have been diagnosed. Supporting breast cancer is also a way of pushing people into understanding how much of a risk it is and guides them into taking action. One way to take action is to get a mammogram screening test regularly. There are many other ways to prevent breast cancer, including genetic counseling and testing to see if it runs in your family and getting breast exams at younger ages. It is better to catch the disease early than too late.

For someone who is battling breast cancer or someone who knows of someone who is battling, there is an organization called the Komen Breast Care Hotline. It has a telephone support group that provides support through what can be a very difficult time. The phone number for the hotline is 1-877-465-6636 or they can be contacted via email: helpline@komen.org.

Men face different challenges when struggling with breast cancer. It is hard for a man to find support groups when struggling with breast cancer, but the American Cancer Society can help. They provide support, treatment plans, and resources for both men and women. For more information, go to http://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/online-communities.html.

To anyone currently fighting breast cancer, or any sort of cancer: We all see you; we all support you. There are people out there who are willing to help you and stay with you along the way. Keep fighting, and don’t give up!

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