Pretty in pink

Pink was the color of the day (and month) during the third annual Pink Pumpkin Fest at UF Health Oct. 12. More than 550 people participated in decorating 300 pink pumpkins in honor of friends and loved ones who have battled breast cancer. In addition, more than 200 people rode to raise money for breast cancer research at the UF Health Cancer Center during the Pink Pumpkin Pedal-Off. The Pink Pumpkin Fest is intended to heighten awareness about breast cancer, to promote early detection and increased survival through regular screenings, and to celebrate the lives of women who have battled breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cancer death for women of all races. Nearly 40,000 women die each year from breast cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates as many as 30 percent of those deaths could be prevented if every woman over 50 was aware of and followed through on recommended screening practices, such as annual mammograms and monthly breast self-exams.