The month of October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month by many Americans and organizations across the United States.

According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 281,550 women are predicted to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2021.

Breast cancer is one of the deadliest cancers for women in the United States and predicted to kill around 43,600 women during the span of 2021, second only to lung cancer, which is predicted to kill approximately 65,000 women during the same time.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Breastcancer.org, approximately one-in-eight women will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

Breast cancer is formed when malignant tumours develop in the breast tissue, growing and spreading throughout the body and becoming deadly.

While exact causes of the disease are unknown, a medical review done by the National Breast Cancer Foundation revealed common misconceptions revolving around the roots of breast cancer.

Much time spent around a cellphone or microwaves does not contribute to the development of the cancer, nor does using deodorant, intaking caffeine and even coming into contact with others who have or had cancer.

Shrinkage, discoloration, swelling and asymmetry are some of the many early symptoms of breast cancer.

Treatments of the deadly disease include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy, along with surgery.

With the amount of treatment options continuing to grow, the cost grows with them. 

Individuals along with organizations, foundations and schools often do fundraisers, donate or raise awareness to research and treatments centers.

Marlow Public Schools participates in raising awareness for Breast Cancer annually in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting a football game with the theme “pink out” where students, players and fans wear pink to show their support to find a cure and more treatment options.

This year, the game was held on Thursday, Oct. against the Davis Wolves, and the Outlaws came out victorious both in the competition and spreading awareness.