Breast cancer is one of the leading diseases that affects women, as one in every eight women are diagnosed with it at some point in their life.
As a result of the seriousness of this disease, GC is going to bring in a mammogram bus titled the “Pink Baby.”
The bus will be brought to campus on March 5, allowing for women to receive 15-minute mammogram appointments on-site. The appointments are meant for women 40 years old and over to help in catching early signs of the cancer.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, over 297,790 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with an invasive form of breast cancer annually. With these numbers, it makes the diagnosis the most common form of cancer in the world.
While breast cancer may not impact young students personally, it may have a heavy impact on their loved ones.
“I do know a family friend that was diagnosed with breast cancer, and it scares me a lot to think about possibly getting it,” said Bella Marino, a sophomore marketing major.
Breast cancer is a very real thing and can become very intense, very quickly. Early detection is the best way to be aware of your health and to get treatment as soon as possible. Even though this disease is so common, many young women do not know when to get their first mammogram test done.
“I believe it should be around 50 or 55, but I’m not entirely sure,” said Charlotte Martin, a freshman pre-nursing major.
The reality is that a woman should get her first mammogram at just 40 years old, which is a lot younger than many people anticipate. The Pink Baby mammogram bus that GC is bringing to campus is open to any woman of that age or higher.
Results for this test will be made visible to the patient’s main healthcare provider and to themselves directly. This test can help eliminate the fear of not knowing what comes with a possible cancer diagnosis. Having a test to see if there are any unusual growths will give answers to anyone who is struggling with the worry of possibly being sick. Even if test results come back inconclusive or unusual, at least this test will allow for early detection and treatment.
“Even though I’m young, I would be lying if I said the possibility of breast cancer hasn’t crossed my mind more than once,” said Caroline Johnson, a senior nursing major.
Breast cancer is a real diagnosis that impacts many more people than assumed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, breast cancer takes the lives of 42,000 women and 500 men every year.
GC is providing an easy and highly accessible way for women to begin the process of their health initiative, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment. GC cares about its community and staff and wants the best possible outcome for everyone involved on campus.
