In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, members of the Beautiful Day Foundation shared valuable information and personal experiences with breast cancer yesterday in the Multicultural Center.
According to American Cancer Society, in 2009 an estimated 192,370 women in the United States were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and about 40,610 women were expected to die from the disease. Even though breast cancer is more common for women in their 40s and older, younger women can get the disease too, Santos said.
Daynabelle Santos, the director of education for Beautiful Day Foundation spoke about the seriousness of breast cancer. She shared a story of her sister, Daylani Santos Rollich, who died of breast cancer and founded Beautiful Day.
Rollich was only 32 years old when she died of breast cancer, Santos said. Rollich had no family history of breast cancer. When she was diagnosed at age 28, Rollich was already in Stage 3B, where the tumor was as big as her breast, according to Santos. During her last year, Rollich founded Beautiful Day for women 32 years and younger because she wanted young women to have a place where they can relate with other young women, Santos said.
“I was surprised to know that breast cancer can happen to women at such a young age,” senior criminal justice major Minna Carreon said. “It was very informative and the presentation showed me the importance of taking care of your body and being more aware.”
Mammograms are only given to women in their 40s, but an ultrasound is highly recommended to young women who feel any abnormalities with their breast, Santos said. Heidi Burkey, coordinator of the Health Resource Center, had concerns about certain organizations claiming that monthly self-exams are not important for women.
“Women, especially the younger generation, should be comfortable enough with their bodies for monthly self-exams,” Burkey said. “It’s important to know your body because you have the power to treat or even prevent something from getting worse, like breast cancer.”
Education is the first step to survival, Santos said. Many women that are diagnosed at a young age had no idea that breast cancer could happen so early.
Robin Shoulla, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 17, spoke at the presentation.
“I want doctors to know that no one is too young,” Shoulla said. “It isn’t a doctor’s place to gamble.”
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