According to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, INC., one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Since it’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there’s no better time to spread awareness than in our very own backyard. 

Many women go almost half their life without knowing they have breast cancer or even the BRCA gene. It’s important to know your family history and the signs of breast cancer. It is recommended that women start getting screened for mammograms at the age of 40, but it’s better to know the signs of breast cancer so it can be caught in the early stages. 

Some of the signs and symptoms include lump or thickening of the breast, change in size of breast, change in color or feel, or veins of skin become more prominent on one breast. Although the word cancer is known to everyone as a scary term, it’s vital to get ahead of the disease and seek help if you have any of the symptoms. Anyone that’s had breast cancer will say the same. 

Healthcare Administration Program Chair, Dr. Cheryl Seelig, has dealt with Breast Cancer firsthand. In 2013, at age 38, Seelig received some news after getting a mammogram for prevention.  

“I was diagnosed with a lump and then proceeded to diagnosis of an early stage of breast cancer in 2013,” said Seelig. “I had a lumpectomy in October of 2013 to remove the cancer and was fortunate enough to not have to go through intravenous chemotherapy or radiation.” 

Seelig was lucky enough to only take the pill form of chemotherapy. Her family history is what put her at high risk, with her mom and aunt also dealing with breast cancer. Thus, she had to start mammograms when she turned 35 years old.  

“Prevention and getting routine check-ups saved my life,” said Seelig. “If you have a loved one who is female or anyone who is over the age of 40, please tell them to take to ten minutes and get their routine mammograms completed.” 

Like Seelig, it is suggested that women with a family history of breast cancer start their mammograms at an early age just to be safe. Even if it’s a little lump, get it checked out before it’s too late.  

Don’t forget to show your support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink. Be like the Business program faculty pictured above and wear pink to support someone you know that has gone through it firsthand. There are survivors all around us and women fighting a battle with breast cancer right now. Take the time to show them you care.