Breast Cancer is the second most common type of cancer for women in the United States. Whether or not you have been yet, you will be exposed to breast cancer at some point in your life. At least 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with it during their life.
Personally, Breast Cancer Awareness is so important to me because my grandmother is a survivor of Breast Cancer. In the mere decade since she has been declared cancer-free, huge strides have been made to make treatments less invasive and more comfortable.
But, even if you don't have someone in your life that has had to fight their own battle, awareness is equally as important. Why is that?
Early Detection.
When a woman finds her breast cancer early (stage 1) there is a 95% success rate for treatment. Treatment is also much, much easier: usually pills instead of poisonous liquid chemotherapy and painful radiation sessions.
It's recommended that women get mammograms every year starting at 40, and clinical breast exams every three years starting at 20 (more often/earlier if you have had a family member with the disease).
It's important to get screened, but it is equally important to prevent cancer in anyway you can: excersise regularly, eat healthily, stay away from carcinogenic chemicals like BPA (some waterbottles) and parabens (some makeup), and abstaining from smoking.
Even though we are young, it doesn't mean that we should ignore the health of our bodies. Women under 25 are regularly diagnosed with breast cancer (it is a myth that cancer is only a problem for older women).
This month, if you see pink ribbons or balloons around, be thankful for all of the women who have fought against cancer and won (you rock, Mamama!!) and have made breast cancer a national conversation.
This month, run a charity 5k. Buy "pink" products. Go to a ZTA philanthropy event on campus (PLAM!). You could save someone's life by raising money to make early detection mammograms more accessible for women everywhere.
