The onset of cancer later in life can be prevented if people make healthy lifestyle choices while they're young.
This is the message student activists hope to spread through Cancer Awareness Week, which begins tomorrow with sporting events at the Central Campus Recreation Building that demonstrate the benefits of exercise in fighting the disease.
Cancer Awareness Week, which offers fund-raising events through Tuesday, is organized by University Students Against Cancer, with assistance from the American Cancer Society.
LSA senior Jenny Irini, a co-chair of the week's planning committee, said she is enthusiastic about the week and wants students to learn more about the disease.
"We're very excited about it," Irini said. "We're trying to raise awareness and we hope a lot of people will get involved."
Cover charges from the St. Patricks' Day party at Rick's American Cafe on Sunday night will be donated to the American Cancer Society, which will be accepting donations at each of the events.
Lori Schram, LSA senior and USAC member, said she expects a high turnout for the week's events.
"They're terrific events," Schram said. "We're putting up information on the Diag and in the Fishbowl. We've got flyers up all over the place."
Irini said that while most students are not at risk of getting cancer, they can avoid contracting the disease when they're older by taking preventive measures now.
"We're aware that for students our age that there isn't that great of risk, but what they do today will impact their chances of getting it in the future," Irani said. "There is the genetic component, but there is a lot they can do for prevention."
Monday's events include a Moonwalk on the Diag and a speech by Dr. Vic Strecher from the Comprehensive Cancer Center concerning the impact of recent technologies in treating cancer.
USAC Vice President and LSA junior Debbi Khasnabin said Strecher's speech will emphasize prevention and encourage college students to avoid cancer risks.
"We think this will really cater to young people," Khasnabin said. "We hope that it will have a big impact on students."
Tuesday's events will focus on breast cancer, concluding with a candlelight vigil on the Diag.
An estimated 547,000 deaths resulted from cancer last year, according to the World Almanac.