PITTSBURGH — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month nationwide.

Because of that, the American Cancer Society of Greater Pittsburgh will conduct two events surrounding its campaign.

On Sunday, the society teams up with the National Football League and the Pittsburgh Steelers for A Crucial Catch campaign, focusing on the importance of annual breast screenings, especially for women who are 40 or older.

Throughout October, NFL games will feature players, coaches and referees wearing pink game apparel to raise awareness of the campaign.

The footballs and other game-worn pink items will be auctioned off at the NFL auction site, NFLAuction.NFL.com, with all proceeds benefiting the cancer society.

This season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will hold their Crucial Catch game on Sunday when they host the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field.

During pregame, a cancer survivors ceremony will be held to celebrate those who have overcome breast cancer, while promoting the importance of annual screenings.

This year, the society in Pittsburgh also is working with Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward. Ward recently joined Peggy Finnegan of WPXI to record public service announcements for breast cancer awareness.

The second event will be on Oct. 29 with the 2nd annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk at the North Shore Riverfront Park Great Lawn.

That event, which is nationwide, celebrates people who have battled breast cancer, educates people about ways to reduce their risk and urges communities to join the fight.

The society is the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion.

To learn more, call 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.