Events on campus offer students a chance to get involved
Pink is more than just a trendy color – it is also the trademark of breast cancer awareness.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there are numerous events on campus geared to get students involved.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. An estimated 212,920 new cases of breast cancer and 40,970 breast cancer deaths are expected to occur among U.S. women in 2006. A recent report published by the American Cancer Society stated that one out of every eight women, some of which will be college aged, will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes.
These statistics are part of the reason CU is taking action. Throughout October, CU will host several events to raise awareness about the disease. Erin Frazier, community liaison and programs coordinator for CU’s Community Relations Department, is hoping this month’s events can successfully reach out to college-aged women.
“The earlier that young women get in the habit of breast self-exams and being aware of their risk factors, the better,” Frazier said. “While breast cancer is more likely to strike as you get older, it certainly does not only strike older people.”
Breast Cancer Awareness Month officially kicked off Wednesday. Students had access to information tables from HealthLinks Clinic, LUNA and the Wardenburg Student Wellness Program. Representatives from Boulder Community Hospital were also present to teach about self-exams and mammography. Pink treats were provided by UMC Catering.
The planning committee for the month will be trying something new this year to boost student involvement. Students are encouraged to attend “plate parties” during which they can decorate a plate to honor or memorialize someone with breast cancer. This will provide students with a way to visually explore their feelings about the disease. The plates will then be on display in the Norlin Library HotSpot from Oct. 16 through Oct. 31.
CU has also organized a team, CU 4 the Cure, to join 60,000 other people in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Sunday. The goal of the race is to raise awareness while also raising money for breast cancer research, treatment and programs for early detection.
A calendar of all the month’s events can be found on the CU Community Relations Web site, www.colorado.edu/communityrelations/bcam.
