October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

"Women need to face the possibility...

1 out of 9 American women is afflicted with breast cancer.

"and the actuality...

100,000 new cases of breast cancer occur each year.

"of breast cancer as a reality...

More than 46,000 women die of breast cancer each year.

".rather than as a myth...

Breast cancer is most common among Caucasians.

"or retribution...

The risk increases if another family member has had it.

"or terror in the night...

Breast cancer is one of the leading cancer killers among women.

"or a bad dream that will disappear if ignored..

Every woman has a militant responsibility to involve herself actively with her own health."

Audre Lord

Contemporary, Black, feminist poet

Breast cancer is frightening. But the good news is that you can help detect it early it by conducting a simple breast self-examination every month.

Young women: Don't wait. Start developing the habit of self-examination now while your breasts are healthy so that you will be more alert to any changes that occur later.

Older women: Remember that the highest risk is for women between the ages of 40 and 44 and after 60. Have your first mammogram at age 40 and have your breasts checked by a doctor every year.

Take care of your body by getting to know it. Nearly nine out of ten women could survive breast cancer, but early detection is important. As Robyne Shumer who recently organized a breast exam workshop on campus explained:

"It would be scarier for me to wait a year, knowing that the cancer may have already spread. I feel confident knowing that I could detect it before it got worse."

Listen to the words of Audre Lord: "Each woman must be aware that an honest acquaintanceship with and evaluation of her own body is the best tool of protection." She knows of what she speaks. Lourde died of breast cancer in 1992.

DON'T BE AFRAID OF YOUR BODY.