Cynthia Johnson’s own self-exam discovered breast cancer. Shocked and scared, she trusted her doctors and decided ,with the help of her family, that she was going to defeat this horrible disease.
Now, 22 years later, a volunteer on the board of the Susan G. Komen came to Chaminade University for the first time to spread awareness about this killer disease that affects one out of eight people.
“I wanted to help spread the word too because it can be beat, always stay positive and live a healthy lifestyle,” Johnson said.
Johnson and others raised awareness on Monday, Oct. 22, between Henry Hall and Ching Hall with a booth representing Susan G. Komen for the Cure. With pamphlets containing information on cancer facts, three steps on finding breast cancer early and about the 20th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Hawaii- Race for the Cure. The race will take place on Nov. 2, at Kapiolani Park at 5 a.m.
The event on breast cancer at CUH lets people know that early detection, knowing your body and if you feel something consult your doctor because it could be a matter of life or death. According to Komen for the Cure website, every 2 minutes a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed and will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Symptoms are different in each person so if you experience redness, chills, fever, lumps in the breast area and discharge from the nipples, those are your warning signs.
”Breast cancer is so prevalent among the younger population, and it’s the more aggressive kind,” Johnson said.
The House of Representative chairperson, Peter Cheng, mentioned he hopes to get in the future , guest speakers who have survived this deadly disease. He feels it’s important to educate women as well as men about breast cancer.
“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but no one knows that. People only know about Halloween.”
Awareness is the goal because on campus there is a big age gap among the students, from 17 to 60. Pacific Islanders also have a fast growing population of women coming down with breast cancer.
He goes on to say,” Breast cancer in the second leading cause of death in women and we just want to get the word out.”
Pink Breast Cancer Awareness ribbons were handed out to support and give hope to anyone who might be experiencing breast cancer. The pink ribbon also stands for femininity, healing, hope and to tell everyone that,” You are not alone.”
For more than 25 years, the month of October has been the chosen month dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness to give out information and promote awareness of breast cancer to women and men. Early detection is the best defense, and the U.S. boasts more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States said the Komen for the Cure.
Johnson, who is on the board at the Susan G Komen of Hawaii, said the foundation is made up of volunteers working to bring breast cancer awareness to organization like CUH.
She goes on to mention that the myth lies in the fact that people think that breast cancer can only happen to women or men in their 40 or older. That’s why the events information is crucial and should be shared with friends and love ones.
” The most important thing is to have a positive attitude once you are diagnosed with this disease,” Johnson said with a smile.