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AWARE
Get the facts on breast cancer
COMMENTARY

At the age of most college students, cancer is not an issue at the front of most or our minds; it seems like something we don’t have to worry about until later.

That would be a mistake.

Although less than 5 percent of breast cancer cases occur in women under age 40, according to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, it is still an issue college students need to be aware of.

Tiffany Vititow, president of Zeta Tau Alpha, said the sorority wants to let students know everyone can be affected by the disease, including men.

The Zeta’s philanthropy is breast cancer and its dedication to raising awareness on campus is commendable.

This month is breast cancer awareness month and the sorority has passed out fliers and pink awareness ribbons in the Student Center and had a speaker from the Health Center discuss awareness with them.

The rest of the year, the sorority volunteers its services at the Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure and passes out fliers for campus participation.

All the proceeds from what they do goes to the foundation.

Last year, Vititow said, the sorority raised around $6,000.

But perhaps the most useful thing the Zetas do is pass out plastic shower hangers with a detailed diagram of how to do a self-examination.

With fast-paced student lifestyles, this shower reminder is a good solution to many young women going without these necessary check-ups.

It’s important to educate women on how to do this, because everyone can be affected by breast cancer.