SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Oct. 13, 2011) – In an effort to raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer, the Mount Holyoke College soccer team will be wearing pink during its match against MIT on Saturday. The Lyons will add pink socks and shoelaces to their uniforms and will also sport pink t-shirts during their pre-game warm-up. They will call the event "Pink Kick Day".

"As female athletes, we wanted to find a way to support the people who have been affected by breast cancer," said fifth year head coach Kanae Haneishi. "By hosting this event, we will be able to increase awareness and raise money for the cause. Just like we kick a soccer ball, we want to help kick cancer."

October is the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month of the National Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. During the event, donations will be accepted, with all proceeds going to the charity. Fans are encouraged to wear pink and contribute to research initiatives. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m.

"Mount Holyoke is pleased to aid in the fight against breast cancer," said Mount Holyoke Director of Athletics Laurie Priest. "It is our hope that by joining this effort, we can increase awareness among the women of our community and contribute to continued research and education."

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death for all women and the leading overall cause of cancer death in women between the ages of 20 and 59. In the United States today, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes. Incidence in women has increased from one in 20 in 1960 to one in eight today.

The good news is that mortality rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.

"The mother of one of our former players was diagnosed with breast cancer within the past few years," said Haneishi. "With the help of events like this, she was able to receive treatment and currently lives a healthy life. By wearing pink during our game, we are hoping to encourage the "can-do" attitude of facing this deadly disease just like we have a "can-win" attitude every time we take the field."

For more information about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please visit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation website at ww5.komen.org.