Women's Soccer Wears Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Worcester, MA --- The Worcester State women's soccer team has broken out the pink uniforms to help support Breast Cancer Awareness for the month of October.

Through a connection with one of the student-athlete's parents on the team, the squad purchased the pink dry fit uniforms which have dark blue lettering and numbers on both the front and back.

The Lancers sported their bright colors against Mass Maritime this past Saturday at home and they will be doing the same again on Wednesday evening against Colby-Sawyer under the lights at Coughlin Field.

Both team captains expressed how heartwarming a feeling it is to wear pink in an effort to raise awareness of the disease which is the second leading cause of death among women.

"It's an honor to wear our pink jerses this month for breast cancer awareness," said senior Laura Maunsell. "It's nice to know that we are supporting a good cause while raising awareness for others to do the same"

"We're proud to represent something that is a big topic in America today," said senior Gaby Gonet. "Some of the members on our team have been personally touched by a person with breast cancer, so it feels good that we can not only support each other, but support those who are fighting against this horrible disease."

"Everytime we step out onto the field, we are fighting not only for the win, but for those suffering with breast cancer," said Maunsell.

"I think this year is going to start a tradition for many years to come," said Gonet.

Facts about Breast Cancer in the United States

• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will pass away.
• While breast cancer occurs in five percent of cases with women under the age of 40, it is the leading cancer death (from any type of cancer) among women between the ages of 20 to 59.
• Breast cancer incidence and death rates generally increase with age. Seventy-nine perecent of new cases and 88 percent of breast cancer deaths occured in women 50 years of age or older.
• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

For More Information

• American Cancer Society
• National Breast Cancer Foundation
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month - October

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