TO THE EDITOR:
Think of October, and you might imagine red and yellow leaves and orange pumpkins. But what about pink ribbons?
October is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or pink ribbon month. As college students, our own health often takes a backseat to midterms, club meetings and social functions. But it is important to realize that we are all potential targets when it comes to breast cancer - young women and men.
There are several different screening tools used in the early detection of breast cancer, each with its own strengths and limitations. Breast self-exams, clinical breast exams and mammograms can be used to detect breast cancer.
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation recommends that by age 20, women perform breast self-exams every month and have clinical breast exams every three years. Early detection is key. Better outcomes are associated with early detection, before the cancer has spread. The five-year survival rate for people with cancers localized within the breast is more than 95 percent.
It is important for you and your health care provider to go over the risks and benefits of breast cancer screening so you can make an informed decision.
All women and men are at risk for getting breast cancer, even if one has no known risk factors. Make time for yourself and your health and begin to develop healthy breast cancer screening habits. October is a good time to start.
Thi LamSenior
Nursing
