As reported by breastcancer.org, about one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
Pierce College offered resources to the campus during the Breast Cancer Awareness event Thursday at the Rocky Young Park.
Nursing student Yamil Herrera said that the event aims to increase early detection of breast cancer by providing information.
“It kind of resonated with me because my aunt actually had to deal with breast cancer, and she’s a survivor so this is something that means a lot to me,” Herrera said.
The event was organized by the Student Health Center and the Associated Students Organization.
Vanessa Tillman, a Student Health Center intern said that the event was organized to inform students about the services provided by the Student Health Center.
“We like to work with the ASO group to do outreach for breast cancer awareness. It is just to get the word out about the Student Health Center because they have so many resources,” Tillman said.
Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among American women. It’s estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers, according to Breastcancer.org.
Herrera explained that hanging pink ribbons symbolizes solidarity.
“Ribbons basically represent support for women, even if they don’t have anybody who’s been through breast cancer. It’s just showing support for people,” Herrera said.
“The ribbons are just to actively get people engaged in Breast Cancer Awareness,” Tillman said. “Considering the weather and the wind, we had a lot of people and it turned out pretty good.”
Business major Melissa Marcoe came to the event to learn more about the disease.
“I’ve noticed it’s been happening a lot, so I wanted to check it out so I can learn more about it,” Marcoe said.