October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On October 9, Sigma Lambda Gamma and CHI Health hosted a breast cancer awareness presentation on campus for students.
Chi Gamma sorority organized the presentation in an effort to raise awareness among UNK students and the community.
“The purpose of this presentation was to educate the public, teach the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and ways of prevention,” said Gibrana Perez Carbajal, president of the Chi Gamma chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc.
The topic was presented by guest speaker Jenny Roush, Community Outreach Coordinator for CHI Health St. Francis. Roush shared valuable information on ways to self-examine the body. She explained preventative measures students can take and the benefit of seeing a doctor if any concerning changes occur.
“Keep it simple,” Roush said. “The importance of water, exercise, a good diet, taking care of yourself and making sure you attend your annual appointments with your doctor.”
The students were able to discover a new perspective on cancer. Roush highlighted continued advances in technology, early detection of symptoms and medical treatments.
“Cancer is now a chronic disease,” Roush said. “Survival rates are so high because of all the screening and awareness. »
A breast self-exam template was included in the presentation, helping to identify what an abnormal lump in the breast may look like. Roush also stressed the importance of getting the mammogram test and what doctors look for when taking imaging.
“Mammograms are so advanced that there is now 3D,” Roush said. “They really go deep to determine if there’s a tumor or not.”
Roush’s presentation covered a wide range of topics aimed at promoting healthy habits. She provided pamphlets that students can take home to learn about cancer risk and other health topics.
During the presentation, Roush shared the life story of a woman who discovered a lump during a breast self-exam at age 32. Despite initial refusals from her doctor due to her young age, the woman persisted and insisted that further testing be carried out. leading to early diagnosis of stage two breast cancer. She has been cancer free for over a year.
Roush stressed the importance of advocating for your own health and seeking a second opinion if necessary.
“If you hear about someone with cancer, they usually want to talk and get their fears and emotions out,” Roush said. “Kindness is so important.”
Carbajal said Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc is a fraternity of empowered members who have chosen this affiliation as a means to achieve personal development in their lives and to make a difference in the community.
“The inspiration came from our sorority’s national philanthropy which is breast cancer awareness,” Carajal said. “This was the first year Sigma Lambda Gamma hosted an event like this on campus. I hope that as an organization we can make this happen again in the future.
The Chi Gamma chapter is currently hosting a fundraising raffle that students can participate in. They are raffling off a 10th generation iPad, the proceeds of which will be used to support breast cancer patients and survivors. Tickets are $15 each and can be found in Chi Gamma’s Instagram bio.
Carbajal also mentioned Chi Gamma’s efforts to get involved or donate to the cancer center and other ways students can support breast cancer patients.
“The Forever Pink Foundation is a local organization here in Kearney,” Carbajal said. “This organization helps provide funds to breast cancer patients for items that insurance does not cover, such as certain appointments, bras, wigs and utilities. If funds cannot be donated to the foundation, even volunteering or simply contacting them and seeing what events they are hosting in the community is one way to get involved.
