October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women. Although it is uncommon, men are diagnosed with breast cancer as well.
Breast cancer has physical symptoms like pain, fatigue, hair loss, swelling and more. This disease can also affect an individual mentally and physically when they think about the treatments and the potential long-term effects. This diagnosis doesn’t only affect the individual who’s battling with it, but it also affects the loved ones who are going through this with them.
“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, but I was unaware of this information until I was in high school,” said Sophia Curtain, a third-year psychology student. “I felt mixed emotions when I found out, but this pushed me to further myself when it came to advocating for breast cancer, and it made me more aware of the dangers and the causes of breast cancer. This allows me to take preventative measures so as not to be a victim of the disease.”
1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1 in 43 women will die from it. You can take different measures to prevent the likeliness of contracting this illness. Mammogram screenings are used to detect breast cancer and other issues in the breast area. These screenings allow you to see breast cancer at an early stage and get treated right away.
According to the American Cancer Society, women between the ages of 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year. Women 45 to 54 should get a mammogram yearly, and women 55 and older can continue to get one or switch to every other year.
In honor of breast cancer awareness month, Tallahassee hosted an awareness walk on Sunday, October 27, at Cascades Park. This event was a way for the city to show support to those who have survived this disease and those who unfortunately passed away. Many student organizations participated in this walk alongside vendors and individuals who passed out items to symbolize this awareness.
“Attending the breast cancer awareness walk inspired me to support others whether I know them or not. Although I haven’t had a family member who battled breast cancer, I still came out to show my love for others, and it certainly made me feel remarkable,” said Linda Ligonde, a third-year allied health science general student.
Many students are finding different ways to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month and spread awareness while encouraging their peers to do so as well. Savannah Moorman, a second-year psychology and criminal justice student, created goodie bags to spread awareness further.
“Breast cancer awareness is so important mainly because anyone can become a victim of breast cancer. I wanted to create something that would not only acknowledge but reward people’s desire to spread awareness for breast cancer,” Moorman said. “I created goodie bags to encourage people to participate and educate themselves on breast cancer and the efforts meant to spread awareness,” she said.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a significant time to recognize those who have been affected by breast cancer and inform others about the importance of getting checkups and doing self-examination.