It’s October once again and for some SF State students that means cram sessions for midterms. For others it’s purchasing the perfect Halloween outfit. Then there are those who pin a tiny pink ribbon to their t-shirt or backpack as a simple reminder to “think pink.”

October equals Breast Cancer Awareness month and SF State student organization, Colleges Against Cancer, have not wasted time tabling in Malcolm X Plaza and handing out pamphlets, brochures, magnets and other pink items to spread information on breast cancer.

“One of the best forms of prevention is to spread knowledge,” said CAC president Miguel Arbulu. “Each month we have a special event that we either host or participate in and by tabling in Malcolm X we just hope that we provide as much information as we can.”

According to the Amercian Cancer Society Web site, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Lung cancer remains number one. In 2007, there is an estimated 178,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer, 62,030 new cases of non-invasive or “in situ” breast cancer.

An estimated 40,910 will die from the disease this year.

Invasive breast cancer, according to Breastcancer.org, is a more serious form of breast cancer because the cancer can spread to other parts of the body via the blood stream and lymphatic system. Typically in situ cancers do not spread to the perimeter tissues or other parts of the body and instead remain in the lobules or ducts. Having a non-invasive cancer can raise the risk for a more serious invasive cancer, as stated on the site.

The CAC members host or participate in monthly events. Every spring, members participate in Relay for Life--a 24-hour relay event that gathers millions of people to help raise money to prevent cancer, save lives and aid those suffering from the disease, said Arbulu.

During the month of November, the CAC also hosts the Great American Smoke Out, an informational event where members trade cigarette smokers a subway sandwich for a pack of cigarettes. In December, the CAC will host a toy drive and gives back to the many children affected by cancer.

“Talking about cancer is such a controversial topic,” said CAC vice president Abraham Reynoso. “There’s a sense of sadness or pity for people who have cancer, but it’s something that needs to be talked about so anything that we can possibly do to get information out to people, we do it.”

The CAC participated in the 10th year anniversary of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer marathon on Saturday. The 5-mile marathon took place at the Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park. The 15-member team, “SFSU Colleges Against Cancer,” arrived at Golden Gate Park at 7:30 a.m. and walked to Ocean Beach. The team completed their five-mile walk at 11 a.m. and raised approximately $700 for the American Cancer Society, said Arbulu.

“The great thing about this organization is that we all work as a team,” said Arbulu. “After doing something like Relay for Life, I feel a tighter connection because I know we’ve conquered something as a group and just knowing that what we did erase all the headaches and stress that was put into the event.”