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Raising awareness, taking action
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October isn’t just for candy corn and jack-o-lanterns. It’s also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Boise State University Women’s Center and Campus Wellness Services are two departments coordinating events this month centered on breast cancer awareness.
The Women’s Center will hold its annual “Bra Project” Oct. 30. The Bra Project is a fundraiser put on by the Women’s Center that generates funds by auctioning artistic representations of bras submitted by students and community members.
Participants have the opportunity to bid for the bras through either a silent or live auction.
“Some bras can be worn, and some are just pieces of art,” Women’s Center Program Coordinator Angela Bolen said. “[Art] is so personal and it allows us to bring together men and women throughout the valley to raise awareness. We can show solidarity in fighting for the cause.”
This year, the Women’s Center will donate auction proceeds to a non-profit called Breast Cancer Action out of San Francisco, Calif.
According to bcaction.org, BCA’s mission is to “carry the voices of people affected by breast cancer to inspire and compel the changes necessary to end the epidemic.”
BCA works to ensure women are not exposed to toxins that contribute to breast cancer. BCA does not accept funding from “corporations profiting from or contributing to the cancer epidemic.”
“This year we picked BCA because we can be assured the money we donate is used for the purpose of educating women about breast cancer and treatment options,” Women’s Center Coordinator Wanda Viento said.
The Women’s Center raised about $2,000 last year with the bra auction.
“It’s been incredibly successful in the past. People are always very excited about [the Bra Project] when the posters go up,” Bolen said.
Wellness Services will also focus on breast cancer this month. The department will host “Breastival” Oct. 8 on the Boise State Quad.
The Breastival will expose students to facts about breast cancer, prevention, early detection and treatment.
“One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer,” Health educator Jodi Brawley said. “All women need to be aware of their breast health.”
Brawley said students 40 and older, or those with early family history could be referred to mammogram services in the area through the campus health center. Mobile mammogram units also come to campus twice a year to provide on-site mammogram services.
Brawley said students should educate themselves with services available throughout the community. She recommends visiting the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Website or the local affiliate Website komenboise.org.
