TIGER TV ONLINE REPORTER
Breast cancer organizations promote October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and use this time to raise interests and funds for a cure.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women, and a woman has a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime, according to Kathryn Saichuk, Wellness Education Coordinator for the Health Center.
The Women’s Clinic of the Student Health Center has two full-time gynecologists and offers full physical exams for females including digital breast exams to test for breast cancer.
“If something suspect was discovered the student would be referred to her personal gynecologist or to a specialist here in Baton Rouge,” Saichuk said.
The Health Center is not the only part of campus promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The UREC has awareness-promoting activities planned throughout the month including a Victory Walk on October 16th. The UREC has also put a pink treadmill in their cardio area and will donate 10 cents for every mile logged on it.
Symptoms include lumps or hard knots, dimpling and puckering of the skin or swelling and redness as well as many others. So far the cause of these symptoms remains unexplained.
“If we knew the exact cause for breast cancer or any type of cancer it would be easier to develop a vaccine to prevent the disease,” Saichuk said. “There is more than one type of breast cancer so it would indicate more than one cause for all.”
The National Cancer Institute, a component of the National Institutes of Health, estimates that, based on current rates, 12.7 percent of women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their lives. Certain behaviors can increase the chances of developing breast cancer.
Risk for developing breast cancer is increased by poor diet, lack of exercise and caffeine and alcohol consumption. (Alcohol lowers the immune system defenses as well as causes fluctuation in hormone levels, according to www.mayoclinic.com). Avoiding these is especially important for women who have a family history of breast cancer. The Health Center works to get the word out to students about these risks and many others.
“We continuously provide education concerning the high risk behaviors that might place a female at greater risk for developing breast cancer and urge women to be diligent in examining their breasts monthly,” Saichuk said. “It is important to be aware of changes in breast tissue, note any consistent pain and if anything is discovered then to see a doctor as soon as possible.”
The bottom line for Breast Cancer Awareness Month for LSU students is to get the word out by raising awareness.
“We are here to serve our students by providing the best treatment possible for their wellness needs and one aspect includes education and prevention. We want to provide the most up to date science-based information for our students so they can make informed decisions about their wellness.”
