Breast cancer is one of the most terrifying diseases for a woman. Not only is it difficult to prevent, but the treatment is oftentimes devastating. In the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. However, women aren’t the only ones affected. Roughly 400 American men die each year from breast cancer. October is devoted to promoting early detection of breast cancer. Early detection is key in treating breast cancer, but lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising and limiting alcohol intake. According to the American Cancer Society, women in their 20s should have a breast exam as part of a regular health exam every three years. Women in their 40s and older should have a breast exam every year. Many doctors believe thousands of women could be saved each year if the disease were caught earlier. Because of that, West Virginia University students should take advantage of the facilities the WVU Hospitals have to offer. The Betty Puskar Breast Care Center at the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center provides a program for breast care, which is aimed at the early detection of breast cancer. Services include screening, mammography, biopsy and ultrasound. The center is accredited by the American College of Radiology and certified by the Food & Drug Administration under the Mammography Quality Standards Act in West Virginia. In West Virginia, breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. In 2009, an estimated 1,300 women in this state will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those, approximately 270 will die, according to Theresa Hoskins from the Wetzel County Family Resource Network. Members of the University and Morgantown community need to be aware that early detection is vital in treating and diagnosing breast cancer and should get exams the recommended times. There are also ways to get involved in the fight against breast cancer. To bring attention to the disease, the WVU women’s soccer team wore pink Nike uniforms Sunday when the Mountaineers played St. John’s at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium. The women’s soccer team raised almost $12,000 last spring for breast cancer awareness, and a check was presented at halftime Sunday to the Betty Puskar Breast Cancer Fund. Also, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there will be a Betty Puskar Breast Cancer Fashion Show today at the Lakeview Resort. Doors open at 6 p.m, and there will be a reception, silent auction and raffle prizes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The runway fashion show will then be held from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., and general admission tickets are $55. Coni & Franc, Vance’s Blues, Tanner’s Alley and Jack & Jill will provide fashions, while styling and makeup will be provided by Spa Roma. All the proceeds will benefit the Betty Puskar Breast Care Center. The Mountains of Hope Cancer Coalition and partners are also sponsoring 18 Walks for Women ... Take a Step Against Breast Cancer across West Virginia. The walks are to raise awareness about breast cancer screening, honor those who survived the disease and remember those who have died from it. The next walk is scheduled for Elkins at the Holiday Inn Express Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. The fund helps pay for diagnostic and treatment services for uninsured West Virginia women. Students, faculty and members of the community need to raise awareness, get examinations and continue to fight this terrifying disease. For more information, call the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program at 1-800-642-8522 or the Betty Puskar Breast Care Center at 304-293-8012.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Published: Sunday, October 11, 2009
Updated: Sunday, October 11, 2009
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