There are currently 6,008 undergraduate students at Elon University, according to the Elon Admissions website, and 3,545 of them are women. According to Breastcancer.org, one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Applying these statistics, 443 Elon women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.
It is because of these staggering numbers and national prevalence of the disease that Elon actively participated in spreading awareness during October.
“I was first drawn to Elon University for its tight-knit and proactive community that supports countless organizations and philanthropies in aims of making the world a fairer and healthier place,” said freshman Rebecca Scott. “This altruistic approach to campus life makes for the perfect opportunity to spread breast cancer awareness. Collectively, we will stand together in solidarity with those battling, mourning, recovering or surviving the
cancer.”
Nationally, October is a month in which many people and organizations, such as the NFL, wear pink to increase awareness of breast cancer.
“The pink ribbon symbolizes both stories of loss, struggle and hope to countless students, faculty and staff,” Scott said.
She is ecstatic that Elon has adopted such a philanthropic and humanitarian cause.
Elon’s Colleges Against Cancer chapter planned several events, such as the annual TriathElon, to promote fun, interactive methods, which the community used to rally around breast cancer. Chapter members will also participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk Oct. 29 at City Lake Park in Jamestown, North Carolina.
“There is no cure for cancer, so it is important for Elon students to be educated and aware of how they can be proactive against fighting this disease,” said senior Alexa Lowey, secretary of Colleges Against Cancer. “As [an] organization, this month is our TriathElon event that raises money for the American Cancer Society while promoting healthy living. We also have pink ribbons and brochures outside our office for students and faculty to take to spread awareness of the disease.”
Though Breast Cancer Awareness Month only lasts 31 days, the disease is a lifelong issue that thousands of women continue to struggle with. Lowey said she is inspired by the community’s efforts to champion this mission. While progress can always be made to eliminate the reach of breast cancer, Lowey is pleased that her community is active in the process.
“Of course, there is always more to be done in the fight against cancer,” Lowey said. “Whether that be through fundraising for research or advocating for victims of the disease, any effort matters.”