About one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women. In recent years, however, we have seen a gradual reduction in female breast cancer incidence rates among women aged 50 and older.

This is why Breast Cancer Awareness Month is so important. There are many opportunities for the UF Health community to offer our support to those researching, fighting and surviving this disease.

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Did you get out your walking shoes for the 5K that runs pink? The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against

Breast Cancer walk was held Saturday, Oct. 20 in downtown Gainesville.

Last year, 22 teams made up of 430 UF Health employees participated and raised more than $15,000 for the event. Dollars raised enable the ACS to fund groundbreaking breast cancer research; provide free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by the disease; and help people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable.

Visit makingstrideswalk.org/gainesvillefl to learn more about the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.

PINK PUMPKIN PEDAL-OFF

Start pedaling as we get ready for this annual pink cycling event. The Pink Pumpkin Pedal-Off, a charity bike ride throughout scenic Gainesville, will be Sunday, Oct. 28.

Riders will have their choice of three different routes: 22, 40 or 62.5 miles. All three routes include a tour of the beautiful UF campus, Gainesville’s restored depot and historic areas and the traffic-free Gainesville Hawthorne Trail.

Visit pinkpumpkinpedaloff.org to join a team or to support the event by purchasing a Pink Ribbon Jersey.