Phi Alpha Omega kicks off awareness month

By Kaitlyn Teabo | kteabo@flagler.edu

Phi Alpha Omega, a women’s service club on campus, is holding a “Save Second Base” kickball tournament Saturday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m. to raise breast cancer awareness among students during the month of October.

Phi Alpha Omega recognizes the importance of breast cancer awareness and will be holding multiple events throughout the month.

According to the American Cancer Society Web site, one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, which is the second leading cause of death in women in the U.S.

“I believe it is important for people to be aware of this disease, as it is such a huge factor in women’s death,” said Ashley Devany, Phi Alpha Omega President.

The club is hosting the kickball tournament at the Flagler athletic fields. “Save Second Base” shirts and breast cancer key chains will be for sale, as well as food and beverages. All proceeds from the event will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a global leader in the breast cancer movement.

Komen for the Cure is focused on working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures, according to its Web site.

On Oct. 22 and 23, Phi Alpha Omega will have an informational booth in front of Kenan Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the booth, students are encouraged to pick up information on breast cancer and purchase bracelets that will also benefit Komen for the Cure.

“I want women to know how to self examine themselves, be aware of it, research and be prepared, and that is what I am hoping to accomplish with the informational booth,” Devany said.

The ACS Web site states that women aged 40 years and older should have an annual mammogram and clinical breast exam as part of a periodic health exam. Woman ages 20 to 30 years should have a CBE every three years.

“Women need to know how their breasts normally feel and report any changes to their health care provider,” said Kimberly Thompson, Flagler Hospital Mammogram Coordinator. “Woman should get to know their bodies and by age 16 they should start giving themselves self exams.”

The Web site also recommends an MRI for women with approximately 20 percent or greater lifetime risk of breast cancer. This includes women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer and women who were treated for Hodgkin disease.

Flagler Hospital provides these services for women. Mammograms cost about $150 without insurance and walk-ins are acceptable.

“I lost an aunt to breast cancer, so I think bringing awareness to people, especially women is very important,” Devany said.