National Breast Cancer Awareness month has come every October in America since 1985. The goals of this annual month-long campaign are to raise awareness of the importance of breast cancer self-exams and mammograms, fundraise for research about breast cancer’s causes, treatments, prevention, and possible cures, and support those who have been affected by breast cancer. Each year this includes roughly 200,000 women and 2,000 men that are diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,000 women and 400 men that die from breast cancer. The good news is that you can do something to lower these statistics for the future!
Warning Signs
Know the warning signs of breast cancer and tell your doctors right away if you notice any of the following during a self-exam:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle
- A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea
- A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
- A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple
- A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed)
- Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple
- An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast
- A marble-like hardened area under the skin
What can you do around campus?
The Paranormal Society is supporting breast cancer research with an overnight ghost investigation on October 26! Registration tables in the Library and Oak Grove starting October 1. Cost is $10 per session (6-9:30, 10-1:30, 2-5:30), or $25 for the whole night. T-shirts and bracelets are on sale at registration tables. T-shirts: are $12 or 2 for $20. Bracelets: $2.
Phi Beta Sigma and the Pan-African Student Association will host a Dunking For Breast Cancer Basketball Ball Tournament on Sunday, October 27, from 4:00-6:30 p.m. in the Zink Hall Basketball Gym. This is a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen foundation. 5 members are allowed per team, and the cost is $25 per team. To sign up or for any questions, email ymyq@iup.edu.