The University of New Mexico men’s and women’s basketball teams hope to see a sea of pink in support of breast cancer fighters and survivors at its Lobos Love Pink games in February. The women's team tips off against Nevada on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 1 p.m., while the men's team faces Fresno State at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m.
“Lobos Love Pink games help us raise awareness in the community,” says Dr. Ursa Brown-Glaberman, who co-leads the breast cancer treatment team at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Fortunately in breast cancer, most patients are cured of their disease. The key is to find the disease early when it is still curable.”
Breast cancer screening can detect tumors before a woman has symptoms. “Most women who have early stage breast cancer don’t know it unless they get a screening mammogram,” said Dr. Stephanie Fine, a breast surgical oncologist. “You can’t feel it. You can’t see it.”
The American Cancer Society estimates that 1,470 New Mexico women received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2018 and that 260 died from the disease.
"Lobo Athletics is honored to be a partner once again with our UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center for the upcoming Lobos Love Pink basketball games," said UNM Athletic Director Eddie Nuñez. "Cancer, unfortunately, is something that has touched everyone within our community in some way. The Lobos Love Pink initiative is a great opportunity for us to leverage our platform within New Mexico through our great fans and raise awareness for breast cancer and convey the importance of screening."
Both basketball games will be held in Dreamstyle Arena. Fans can purchase tickets in advance at unmtickets.com or by calling the Lobo Ticket Office at 505-925-LOBO. Fans wearing pink to the games can purchase discounted tickets at the door.