Breast cancer awareness has taken a unique form in recent years. Organizations like Save the Ta-tas Foundation have been gaining support.
For the George Mason University community, one of the most beloved events of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is approaching – Breastival.
| Did you know? • Nearly 210,000 men and women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. • Over 40,000 men and women will die this year from the disease. • One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. • The five-year survival rate for women with localized breast cancer is 98 percent. |
The fourth annual event will take place on Thursday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the North Plaza to educate students using food, fun and games.
Danielle Lapierre, associate director of the Office of Alcohol, Drug and Health Education, has been involved with Breastival since its creation. For her, working with students is her favorite part of the job.
“They are so receptive to our programs and really make me think out of the box to develop new and creative, fun and educational health promotion programs,” said Lapierre. “It is not often that someone has to research every possible way to say ‘breast’ and apply it directly to their job.”
Breastival will feature treats like T-shirts, reusable shopping bags and breast-shaped cupcakes. Vendors like Avon will be there and games called “Tit Tac Toe” and “Pin the Nipple on the Boob” will be available for students to enjoy.
Breastival promotes awareness for a serious cause. According to the National Cancer Institute, over 200,000 women and nearly 2,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
Lapierre says the best way for women to detect potential issues is to be familiar with their bodies.
“[Women] checking their breasts every month should become more of a routine and less of a hassle,” Lapierre said. “They should know what to look for and where to go for help if something doesn’t feel right.”
In case of rain, the event will be held in the atrium of Student nion Building I. More information on Breastival and breast cancer is available on the Office of Alcohol, Drug and Health Education’s website at adhe.gmu.edu.
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