ReThinkPink:
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS ON CAMPUS
Think Pink
This past Tuesday, October 1st, marked the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Founded over 25 years ago, October has become a month dedicated to educating and providing more opportunity for individuals to gain access to services that prevent and treat this disease. Because 1 out of 8 women statistically will get some form of breast cancer in their lifetime, it is important that individuals are informed and active about using preventive methods beginning a a young age. October has become a month of empowerment and survival for individuals of all ages.
How can you get involved?
Members of the Colgate community have already begun planning and organizing events to educate and raise money for this cause. On Tuesday, there was a lecture organized by the Women Studies Department and the Colgate Student Group BCAC that served to inform and challenge the current Breast Cancer Awareness movement. The speaker, Gayle Sulik, is an Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Consortium and author of Pink Ribbon Blues. While she began speaking about the importance of spreading information on the disease, her talk also questioned how this pink movement has been broadcasted through media representations. Her talk focused on switching back the focus away from the female body and toward the hardship that a patient undergoes and a survivor remembers. It is about educating individuals in order to encourage them to be more engaged in their own health and the health of those around them.
Many groups on campus have great ideas on how to continue promoting awareness throughout the month. After listening to the talk, BCAC member Theresa Solinger explained that “As an awareness club, I think it was good to hear about ways in which we can improve our impact on campus and through donating to smaller, local groups rather than the big ones.” Throughout this month BCAC will continue to raise money through bake sales as well as bring in more educational events. On and individual basis, wear pink and find ways to educate yourself on breast cancer awareness websites or by attending events. Some great websites include:
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
and
The Truth
Have you ever heard a fact about Breast Cancer and wondered if it was true. Here are a few well-known MYTHS:
1. Breast cancer only affects WOMEN
While the percentage of men that get breast cancer is significantly lower, 2,190 men still get diagnosed every year. So men out there, self-examine yourself every once in a while too!
2. Antiperspirants and deodorants are linked to causing breast cancer
The National Cancer Institute has found no solid evidence linking the two together. So, keep smelling fresh for both your sake and everyone else please!
3. If a family member has developed Breast Cancer, you probably will too
Actually, only 10% of individuals diagnosed with the disease have a family history connection. While having a family history of Breast Cancer may put you at a higher risk, it does not automatically mean you will too.
Stay active, stay educated, and rethink the way our society should celebrate this month devoted to Breast Cancer Awareness. Think Pink, Wear Pink, and Spread Pink to your friends and family, especially in these upcoming weeks!
Content above can be found in greater detail at: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-myth
PhotoCredit: http://www.lucilleroberts.com/…