October was first declared breast cancer awareness month in 1985 as a campaign by the American Cancer Society. Since then, numerous campaigns have been instated to bring attention to the disease. Each year, Cannon Falls High School takes a role in spreading breast cancer awareness. This year, the High School Student Council hosted a school-wide “Pink Out” day on Friday, October 13th.
Students arrived decked out in pink clothing to show their support. Breast cancer awareness is especially important to Cannon Falls, as the school has had numerous teachers, coaches, and staff battle breast cancer in recent years. “Many people know someone who has suffered from breast cancer,” commented senior Bowen Maki, “that’s why it’s important to show support for awareness whenever we can, even in a school environment.”
In fact, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women. The National Breast Cancer Institute estimates that over 300,000 women and men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and over 47,000 people will die from the condition. Although breast cancer has a 90% survival rate, it is still the 4th deadliest cancer in the US, making up an estimated 7% of cancer-related deaths yearly. Advances in medicine have assisted in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, but breast cancer is still a pressing issue for many.
In addition to the annual pink-out dress-up day, Bomber athletic teams often select a home game in October and designate it as a breast cancer fundraiser game, such as the volleyball “Dig Pink” game or the football “Tackle Cancer” game. Although there were no official fundraisers organized this year, both the varsity volleyball team and the varsity football team hosted “pink out” games, where bomber students and fans were encouraged to dress head-to-toe in pink. Senior volleyball player Kallie Johnson explained the motive behind these themes: “It’s important because we’ve had teachers and coaches who have fought against breast cancer and it’s a night I personally like to dedicate to them.”
Whether it’s by supporting someone they know personally, or by participating in a school-wide awareness event, students show their breast cancer support in a myriad of ways.
