Growing up UMKC junior Dallas Hall knew many people in her community that had fought breast cancer. Her great grandmother battled many types of cancer including breast cancer, and eventually lost her life to this unforgiving disease.
Hall holds this topic close to her heart because she has watched women close to her fight for their lives.
“I think it’s really important, especially for women,” said Hall. “Breast cancer can happen to anybody.”
For Hall, having resources available on campus for those who may be concerned for their breast health is a must. She suggested the Women’s Center.
For the month of October, the UMKC Women’s Center is promoting breast cancer awareness with educational resources and a “Check your BOObies” campaign to encourage early education.
“Knowledge is power, there is so much lack of knowledge or awareness about so many things that you can always learn something new. In this case, it could be life saving,” said graduate student and Women’s Center employee Anum Khalid.
Outside the center, a pink display highlights the facts of breast cancer, risk factors and preventive measures, alongside information about menopause.
Inside the center there is a large library and pamphlets that offer education including some information about breast health.
With 1 in 8 women being diagnosed with breast cancer, early detection can be key to survival.
“Check your breasts, do those exams, get your annual physicals done, and get bloodwork done because it’s preventable sometimes,” said Khalid.
The Women’s Center suggests visiting university health if students are concerned about their breast health.
“Our whole thing is awareness and support, that’s why we have all these resources,” said Khalid.
