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Foundation uses pink bus to bring awareness to breast cancer

By Joe Preiner

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is rolling to a stop, just as the Susan G. Komen On the Go tour did Monday.

The pink mobile breast cancer education center parked in front of the Adams Alumni Center for one of the final stops on its nationwide tour.

The Komen On the Go campaign began four years ago and has gained ground on its way to the now national tour. The tour lasted for two weeks in its first year. Now in its fourth year, the tour covers between 20 and 25 states and stops in about 150 cities during a six-month period.

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Photo by Allison Richardson

Stephanie Brooks, Mendota Heights, Minn. senior, watches a video in the Susan G. Komen bus that was outside of the Adams Alumni Center on Monday. Brooks was volunteering as a peer health educator to help spread awareness of breast cancer and practicing safe breast health.

The Komen On the Go vehicle gives students and passersby the opportunity to learn about breast cancer. The pink trailer, one of two owned by the Komen Foundation, expands into a fully functional awareness center. Multiple flat-screen televisions and a number of laptop computers provide a wealth of information on the Komen Foundation and the issue of breast cancer.

Nick Blake, a Komen On the Go team member, works full time with the touring center. He became involved with the foundation because he said breast cancer affected everyone.

“There are so many passionate people,” Blake said. “People leave here feeling empowered and encouraged. It’s a really positive reaction.”

The Komen Foundation raised more than $275 million in the past year, and invested about $1 billion in research during the last 25 years. The foundation has aimed to educate and eventually find a cure for breast cancer. According to the Komen Foundation Web site, an estimated 180,460 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year.

Aftan Martin, Lawrence senior, was one of many student volunteers for Komen On the Go on Monday. She said most of the students she talked to were all for the cause. Martin said students seemed to be well informed on the issue of breast cancer, and most said they wanted to help.

Breast cancer, while primarily affecting women, also affects men. Although the disease is rare in men, men still possess the necessary tissue for developing it. The Komen Foundation aims to address everyone affected by the disease, regardless of sex.

Eric Hammond, Overland Park sophomore, braved the wind and cold to learn more about the disease.

“I don’t know anyone personally who has breast cancer,” Hammond said. “I want to keep it that way.”

The most effective way for people to avoid serious complications from breast cancer is early detection. The Komen On the Go center provided information on how to perform self-exams, and stressed the importance of annual mammograms for women.

“It’s taboo to think that it’s just for women or older people. Younger people need to realize it’s never too early to be aware of the disease,” Blake said. “It can happen to almost anyone, at any age.”

— — Edited by Kelsey Hayes

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