The pink ribbon is a symbol for Breast Cancer awareness.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to educating women about the importance of early detection. It also is a time to recognize the survivors of breast cancer as well as those who have been lost to the disease.

CU-Boulder's Wardenburg Health Center is sponsoring a breast cancer information table today, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 4:30-7 p.m. at the Recreation Center. Another table will be available Thursday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UMC.

"Our goal is to educate women on campus about risk factors that increase the chance of developing breast cancer," said Heather Collis, student coordinator of the Wellness Program. "We also want to encourage women to get into a regular habit of self-examination."

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer found in women today. This year, 192,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States alone.

Early detection is the key to prevention and treatment. Screening mammography, clinical breast examinations and for women 20 years of age and older, breast self-examinations are vital.

Representatives from Wardenburg will hand out pink ribbons at the information tables and offer stickers, shower cards and nail files that have messages reminding women to do a monthly self-exam. Brochures and fact sheets also will be available.

This year marks 20 years for the National Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, which is comprised of 17 national public service organizations, professional medical associations and government agencies working in partnership to raise awareness and provide access to screening services.