By Cheyenne Johnson, contributing writer
One out of every eight women in the Unites States develops breast cancer over their lifetime. 40,000 of them die annually.
The month of October is known as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many organizations around the world participate in breast cancer awareness.
For those football fanatics, most will realize that the NFL participates in this by having their players wear pink arm bands, shoes, or use pink towels.
In the past, Saint Leo University has participated in breast cancer awareness month by wearing denim on Lee National Denim day. This was in 2006 and participants could donate five dollars to the cause. They have also participated in walks and other such events that help raise awareness for this disease.
“Students should participate in breast cancer awareness month because breast cancer is a big disease,” said junior Santi Lopez. “The more information one can get on it, the better chance we have for a cure. It is also a great way to honor those who have won and lost their battle with breast cancer.”
Finding a cure is an important part in cancer research. But research costs thousands upon thousands of dollars. If every Saint Leo student donated five dollars to the breast cancer awareness organization, the school could raise about $10,500. Though when it comes to research this may seem like a little bit of money; but even the littlest bit helps. Imagine if every school across Florida, or even the United States, participated in it. There could be millions of dollars raised not only to find a cure to breast cancer, but maybe there would be money left over for researching other illnesses. Saint Leo can embrace its core value of community further by leading the way in supporting breast cancer awareness.
“This is an illness that has plagued women for many years now,” said junior Mel Dayaa. “Cancer is one of the deadliest things that could ever happen to someone. Not only is it important to take the time to research breast cancer if you are a woman, but it is even more important to get yourself checked frequently.”
Some students may not realize that breast cancer can also affect men. These cases occur much less than they do in cases with women, but it can still occur. This is an illness that needs to be taken seriously. All it takes is a little time, one day out of every year, to go to the doctors and get tested. It is better to take precautions than to wait until there is no solution. It has been said that if it is caught early enough there is a much better chance of survival that if it is caught later on.
“Breast cancer can take over even the healthiest person; it’s an illness that has no specific target,” said Dayaa. “During the month of October, just take a little bit of your time to go over the precautionary methods of finding out if you are affected by this tragic illness.”
Every student should take the time out in the month of October to remember the women that have fought and won the battle, but more importantly those who have lost it. This month is dedicated to every person that has had to deal with this illness, and every person to come who may have to. It is also dedicated to raising money to find the cure. Every student should do their part in participating in breast cancer awareness, not just in the month of October, but all year round.
