Breast cancer is one of the most widely campaigned cancers in this country. Twenty-five years ago, October was designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Organizations, such as Susan G. Komen For the Cure, wanted to designate a time period that revolved around the education of Breast Cancer to both women and men.
My fascination with the cancer began over ten years ago, when my great-grandmother was diagnosed and lost her battle to breast cancer. Although widely campaigned, the real facts of breast cancer can be overlooked or even ignored. Sure, you get some “fun facts” here and there and the opportunity to pull out every pink article of clothing out of your closet in October, but how much do you actually know about this cancer? While I am no breast cancer connoisseur, I find it important to educate myself on this disease, as it now exists in my family’s history. To start, you can visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website to learn more about breast cancer and how to get involved.
Coming from leadership positions that pushed me to spread awareness and to raise money, I was interested in seeing how AU was involved with educating the community on breast cancer. This month, there have been multiple displays of educating the AU community. First off, there was the student government run “Breastival.” Although it appeared to be rained out, activism was shown and hopefully some of you got out to see the “Vote for Tits” t-shirts being displayed (They were really great!). TDR is currently decorated with pink ribbons, reminding students to get educated, even while they are waiting in line for ice cream!
Breast cancer awareness is crucial—even if you don’t have a family history. It’s important to get involved because you never know if someone has shared a personal experience with it or if it will affect you in the future.
Ready to help the cause? Donate to the American Cancer Society here.
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