San Diego Chargers Provide Free Mammograms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is best described as "a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease and provide greater access to services."

The NFL is a huge participant.

Throughout the month of October, the color pink can be seen everywhere during each game—in the form of penalty flags, players' gloves, tape, shoes, etc. Pink signifies awareness for breast cancer—a disease that will develop in roughly one of eight women over the course of her lifetime, via breastcancer.org.

"In 2013, an estimated 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S."—a staggering statistic.

This year, one franchise has stood out above the rest in the fight against breast cancer.

The San Diego Chargers announced on Thursday that they will fund free mammography for uninsured women in the San Diego area. This act of generosity could potentially save lives, as early detection is absolutely crucial.

According to the team's website, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a cause that really hits home to A.G. Spanos, the team's executive vice president. Said Spanos:

"

My mom is a breast cancer survivor and from her experience I know how vital early detection can be. I encourage women to call and learn if they qualify for a free mammogram because early detection saves lives.

"

Laura Farmer Sherman, executive director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure shared the importance of this screening:

"

With only 53 percent of women 40 and over reporting getting their annual mammograms, there remains an urgency to reach women with mobile mammography programs to ensure that those with the greatest need are being screened. Right now, mammograms are the most effective way to detect breast cancer early, but they only work if women get them.

"

For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer. The action taken by the Chargers is one that could severely help curb those devastating statistics.

Information for the event is as follows:

Where: Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Road San Diego, CA 92108 in the North East parking lot

For further information and to inquire about qualifying:  Call 619-508-8088

Date and Time: October 8th from 9a.m. PST to 5p.m. PST

Cost: Free to qualified women

Imagine for a minute if all 32 NFL franchises were to provide this same service to the women in their metropolitan areas. The amount of positive change that would take place would surely be astonishing. Perhaps the rest of the league should follow the Chargers' lead.

You stay classy, San Diego.

Follow @SeanODonnellNFL