Starting as a week-long campaign in 1985, Breast Cancer Awareness has grown into a month-long drive for research, funding, and visibility for the disease. October is important because it reminds women everywhere to take control of their health.
Start by learning your family’s history. Having a mother, daughter, or sister who had Breast Cancer doubles the risk of a person contracting it. It also helps to know and understand the risk factors. There are several risk factors that are attributed to Breast Cancer such as age, heritage, and estrogen levels to name a few.
Something else to be aware of is knowing when it is time to get screened. It varies based on family history and age. Screening for Breast Cancer is done with a mammogram which is an X-ray that allows doctors to detect any changes within the breasts. Women aged 40 and above should get a mammogram yearly.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month several foundations and organizations look for volunteers to give back. Wearing pink, donating money, and walking are all ways to give back this month. Stay tuned for postings about ways to show awareness on campus. Some other resources that you can use to educate yourself are https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/ or https://www.aabcainc.org/resources/.
