The NFL supports breast cancer awareness during the month of October

October 19, 9:10 PMSeattle Women's Health ExaminerKellie Fielding

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NFL player Ryan Sims takes a moment next to a pink goal post pad supporting breast cancer.
(AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

The NFL is supporting breast cancer awareness during the month of October. You may have tuned in to one of the football games this month and noticed quite a bit of pink both on the field and on the side lines. This campaign is called “A Crucial Catch” and has been launched by the National Football League and The American Cancer Society to increase the awareness of how important it is for annual screenings.

On their website, the NFL states, “Throughout October, NFL games will feature players, coaches and referees wearing pink game apparel to raise awareness for the campaign, as well as on-field pink ribbon stencils and special K-balls and pink coins. All apparel worn at games by players and coaches and special K-balls and pink coins will be auctioned off at NFL Auction (www.NFLAuction.NFL.com), with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society and team charities.

“The most recent 2009 estimates for breast cancer in the United States expect approximately 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 40,170 deaths from breast cancer,” according to The American Cancer Society. “Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is a little less 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 35.”

It is also important to remember that men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. When getting their annual exam, it is important to address this if they have any history of this type of cancer in their family, or if they are having any potential symptoms.

If you are a female and are age 40, or older, it is vital that you have an annual mammogram. If you are younger than 40 and there is a history of breast cancer in your family, talk to your doctor to see if you should begin this type of screening at a younger age. Also remember to take the time each month to do your self-breast exam. They only take a few minutes to complete and they are a critical part of maintaining your health.