Rielly Pulliam
Managing Editor
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Jackson State University students are keeping the student body informed about the common cancer that affects more than 200,000 people each year.
The event ‘Pink Power 2’ hosted by Erin Farmer, former Miss Sophomore Halle Coleman, and Miss Junior Kennedy Allen, took place on Zoom Oct. 28.
The ladies of Jackson State tuned into the virtual discussion to learn about warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
The hosts met students on the main plaza horseshoe prior to the event to hand out “Power Bags” that were full of pink goodies students could enjoy while tuned into the event.
JSU Health Center Nurse Victoria Coleman, spoke about how ladies can exam their own breasts for unusual lumps, the importance of yearly mammograms, and the steps doctors take if an unusual lump is found on the breast.
Coleman also explained different terminology doctors use when following procedures for breast cancer. She also spoke about her own scare with breast cancer during the summer.
“My gynecologist found a lump in my breast in two areas this year in May. She called me and said I had to come back for another mammogram to get more pictures from different angles…” said Coleman.
“When I went back for my pathology report after having the lumps removed, they informed me that I wasn’t even at risk for breast cancer,” she added.
Coleman recommended that everyone should get tested even if they don’t have a family history of breast cancer. If anyone ever needs to ask questions about breast cancer or anything medical related, Nurse Coleman is located on campus in the Health Center next to McAllister-Whiteside.
After the informational speech, the ladies were given the chance to earn prizes by participation in an interactive quiz.
Later that evening, Coleman, Farmer, and Allen had lots to say about the event that is a sequel to last years ‘Pink Power’ event.
Halle Coleman, a junior journalism major from Clinton, Miss. expressed, “I hope people gain a sense of both mental and physical awareness. I feel like you can tell people all day, but we really need to push action and know what signs to look for and how to check breasts yourself.”
Farmer, a junior criminal justice major with a minor in biology from Little Rock, Ark., felt having part two to last year’s successful event was necessary for ladies on campus.
“This year’s pink power was the second part and we really wanted to do our best given the circumstances with coronavirus. I reached out to Halle a couple weeks ago because I wanted to make the event an annual thing” said Farmer.
Farmer added, “Once that was said, all 3 of us got together to begin planning, putting together bags, and contacting Ms.Coleman from the Health Center.”
Kennedy Allen, a junior social work major from Little Rock, Ark., stated, “I think the event was necessary because on average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. This specific rate is growing and affecting black women in large amounts.”
Allen continued, “I feel as if it is important to contribute to preventative care and awareness. As young black women I want to make sure we all take care of ourselves and know the signs.”
Although Breast Cancer Awareness Month is coming to a close, it is always important for ladies to check on their health and make sure their friends and families do the same!
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