It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Fresno State is doing its part to commemorate the word “awareness.â€Â
Breast cancer is one of the top killers of women. Women over 30 years of age have a high risk of developing breast cancer, especially those with children. Women under the age of 30 who smoke are at an even greater risk of developing breast cancer.
Campus sororities are helping to remind all women to take the time to do self-examinations.
Sigma Alpha Zeta̢۪s Fresno State chapter, with the efforts of president Berttania Leon, held a booth at the annual Big Fresno Fair where visitors could sign up for Buddy Check.
“I use the Buddy Check system,â€Â said Gracie Settle, a Fresno State student and KSEE 24 intern. “It’s a great way to stay connected and it’s simple to start. More people should sign up.â€Â
Buddy Check is a system where people sign up to make a promise to remind their buddies to check for breast cancer through a monthly self-examination on the 24th of each month. The system can also be used to remind friends and relatives to get their yearly mammogram.
The original Buddy Check system was started by news anchor Stefani Booroojian at KSEE 24 more than 15 years ago. Now, this reminder system has been adopted by sororities like Sigma Alpha Zeta to help others for early detection.
Sigma Alpha Zeta̢۪s former president, Eunice Camacho, said she enjoyed doing the Buddy Check booth at the Big Fresno Fair, because women are able to help other women.
“I think it’s good,â€Â Camacho said. “At first I did think it was a waste of time, but it really does help people and that’s important for [breast cancer awareness] to continue.â€Â
Fresno State will be continuing to highlight the importance of awareness this month, hosting events such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Oct. 27 from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation is the largest grassroots network aimed at combating breast cancer.
Campuses like Fresno State are essential messengers in getting the word out to people everywhere to get checked.
Students on campus feel fortunate to have a college campus so dedicated in making this October̢۪s Breast Cancer Awareness month known through out the community.
How to get involved
Ninth annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure fundraiser
̢ۢ When: Oct. 27 from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
̢ۢ Where: Meet at the Satellite Student Union.
̢ۢ Features: Men̢۪s and women̢۪s team 5K run, a co-ed 5K and 1-mile walk, a Kids for the Cure run and a Survivor Recognition Ceremony.
̢ۢ Registration: $15 for adults, $12 for children.
̢ۢ For more information, call (559) 229-4255 or visit online.