October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for University of Memphis students, contributing to the cause is as easy as walking to the bookstore.
For the duration of October, The U of M bookstore is selling specified pink-ribbon products, with the majority of the profits aiding two of the largest breast cancer awareness foundations: the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
"My grandmother had cancer," said Rachel Branham, the bookstore's cafe manager. "So I'm always up for any charitable thing."
Products available in the bookstore include T-shirts, Revlon cosmetics, candy and jewelry. Approximately $5 of each T-shirt, $1 of every bracelet and $1 of every Revlon product sold will be donated to the NBCF. Thirty-five cents from the sale of a pack of pink and white M&Ms, as well as 10 percent from any Republic of Tea products, will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women, and the second leading cause of cancer death behind lung cancer, according to the NBCF. This year alone 211,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and of those, 43,300 will die. Males are also at risk from the disease, with an estimated 1,600 men developing the disease, from which 400 will die.
"Early screening is so important," said April Beavers, a junior biology major whose grandmother was diagnosed with the disease. "It really can make the difference between life and death."
Beavers' grandmother isn't the only woman to be spared a much more serious prognosis thanks to early detection. According to the NBCF, when breast cancer is detected early, the survival rate is a reported 96 percent. The foundation recommends women start screening in their early 20s, performing annual self-examinations and should continue through their 40s, before seeking annual mammograms around the age of 45.
Though there is no known cause of cancer, there are several risk factors associated with its development. Individuals with a family history of cancer are in a higher risk group for developing the disease, though most women have no family history. Smoking and drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day can also contribute, according to the American Cancer Society. A moderate level of obesity and diets rich in saturated fats are also among the risk factors.
Students also have a chance to contribute this month with "Pink Buys," an online shopping link available through www.nationalbreastcancerawarenessmonth.org. The products will be sold to benefit the organization and include Clinique and Aveda brand cosmetics, Coach and Donna Karan brand clothing and accessories, and Tommy Hilfiger fragrances.
Students can also contribute Oct. 22 when Race for the Cure, a 5K run/walk comes to Memphis. Sponsored by the SGKF, the event has collected more than $750 million for breast cancer awareness.
Information on breast self-examinations are available at www.nationalbreastcancer.org, and Race for the Cure applications are available at www.komen.org.
"I plan to wear pink to help spread awareness," Beavers said. "Breast cancer has hit close to home for me, as I'm sure it has for many others."
