A Crucial Catch: Annual Screening Saves Lives

A Crucial Catch: Annual Screening Saves Lives
By: Amber Rogers
Photo: NFL Web site

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. The National Football League (NFL) has launched a campaign in support of the fight against breast cancer. "A Crucial Catch: Annual Screening Saves Lives" is the name of the campaign and it focuses on the importance of annual screening for women especially over the age of 40. Since the month of October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month, NFL players, coaches and referees will be wearing pink, the color associated with breast cancer, apparel to help raise awareness for the cause. They are going to auction of the apparel at the NFL Auction and the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society and team charities.

This is the second year the NFL has run this campaign. The campaign was originated by DeAngelo Williams who is the Carolina Panthers' running back. He wanted to start this campaign because it hit close to home. His mother is a breast cancer survivor, but he has three aunts who have died from the disease. Williams is not the only person in the NFL who has dealt with the disease. Many people's lives in the NFL has been affected by breast cancer.

Williams heard of some players wearing pink gloves and suggested that players wear other appareal to support the cause such as cleats. They are even using pink coins in the coin tosses in the beginning of the games. Players wear a pink ribbon sticker on the back of their helmets and some also wear pink shoes, tape, or gloves to show their support.

Several retails stores, such as Dicks and Lids, along with NFL merchandise stores are involved in the fight against breast cancer and plan to donate a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer charities.

People who are not in the NFL can participate in the cause as well by joining a local American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk as part of an NFL fan team. So far the walk has raised $12, 687.50. All proceeds from the campaign will be donated to a breast cancer organization or charity.

To learn more about or get involved in the campaign, visit the NFL Web site.