By Steven Erbacher
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— The start of October, marks the beginning of the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s been this way since 1985.
At the University of Arkansas, the sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha spends much of the year spreading awareness of breast cancer. Several members of the sorority said the fact that it is very common in women, is what drew them to the sorority.
According to breastcancer.org, 1 in 8, or just over 12 percent of women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives.
“It just goes to show it’s so common,” said Landwehr, Director of Philanthropy of Zeta Tau Alpha. “At some point in your life, you’re going to know someone.”
This is the case with Landwehr, who before she reached her standing, she did not have any personal ties with breast cancer.
“My grandma was just recently diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “It means even more to me now to be doing this.”
Landwehr organizes events throughout the year for ZTA to raise money toward breast cancer research. During the spring semester of 2019, the sorority raised $76,000, which exceeded expectations.
“It was awesome, and we’re hoping to get to that again this semester,” she said.
Breast cancer is most common in women over the age of 50. It is rare for women in college to be diagnosed, as only 7 percent of cases happen in women under 40. As rare as it is for students, it’s not impossible. The President of ZTA, senior Madison Anderson, found this out a difficult way.
A friend of Anderson told her she couldn’t be in class one day because of a doctor’s appointment. When Anderson asked why, she told her she thinks she has a tumor.
“When she came back, she told me she had breast cancer,” said Anderson, who was shocked when she received the news.
The friend no longer has cancer and is still attending classes at the U of A. Her identity is private per request of Anderson. She said it means a lot to her to be able to participate in spreading breast cancer awareness.
“This is really important for everyone, because it’s not just grandmas and aunts (who get breast cancer), it can be girls of 20, 21 years old.”
Zeta Tau Alpha will have its annual “Breast Cancer Awareness Week” starting Monday, Oct. 14. Students will be able pick up pink ribbons in front of the student union, where the sorority will have tables set up.