Lee hosts Volley for a Cure, mobile screening
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. From a single person wearing a Volley for a Cure t-shirt, to hosting “pink out” sports games, Lee always makes an effort to support the cause. It’s a month to support breast cancer warriors, honor survivors, and fund research about the disease.
In addition to increasing awareness of breast cancer, October is a good time to learn more about factors that can increase the risk of getting breast cancer.
Jan Wright, assistant director of Health Services and nurse practitioner, identifies some of the factors that can lead to increased risk.
“Number one ... is being female, and also being older ... that increases someone’s risk,” Wright said.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the average age at which women are diagnosed with breast cancer is 62 years. There is also a genetic component to breast cancer.
“If you have a family history of a first-degree relative, say, your mom, your sister, or ... a daughter, that increases somebody’s risk that they may develop breast cancer,” Wright said.
There are ways to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer. As with many other diseases, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can lessen risks.
“Keeping a healthy weight, eating less processed food, and exercising,” Wright said. “No alcohol and no smoking.”
One way women can detect breast cancer early on is through regular self-exams.
Knowing what “normal” looks like makes it easier to catch any changes or irregularities. Women are advised to contact their healthcare provider if they notice anything unusual.
It is widely recommended that women start getting annual mammograms around the age of 40. Mammograms are x-ray images taken to check for signs of breast disease.
One of CHI Memorial’s Mobile mammography buses will be stopping by the Paul Conn Student Union on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Women who bring their doctor’s full name, driver’s license or state ID, insurance card, and completed registration form, will be able to get a breast cancer screening. Anyone who is under-insured may qualify for financial assistance.
Another way Lee will be supporting the cause is through Volley for a Cure. Every year, the Lee University Volleyball team sells t-shirts and hosts a game to support the cause.
2024 Volley for a Cure game. Photo courtesy of Lee University Publications
As a Lee alumna, Head Volleyball Coach Christa Fabre has been involved in the program for years.
“Volley for a cure has been a long-standing, important event ... it has been really impactful for the city as a whole, for bringing awareness ... I was involved in it when I was a player here, and got to see the direct impact it made,” Fabre said.
Funds from Volley for a Cure t-shirts sales will be given to a beneficiary - someone who has had breast cancer, or who has been affected by the disease.
“Breast cancer is a heavy thing that so many are impacted by. And it’s not just the woman that has breast cancer, but her family as well. So the scholarship piece is really cool, and it alleviates ... some of the financial burden from that family. I’ve had friends that were direct recipients of scholarship, and I saw how much it meant to them,” Fabre said.
Fabre wants the Lee Community to show up and show out at the Volley for a Cure game.
“I think that showing up is a huge way that people can come in and support and link arms with people who’ve gone through the challenge,” Fabre said.
All the pink ribbons and Volley for a Cure t-shirts are more than just decorations or pieces of an outfit. They are put up and worn to support the fight against breast cancer, and to support those affected by it.
Lee University’s Volley for a Cure game will take place on Friday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Paul Dana Walker Arena. The Flames will be competing against the University of Montevallo Falcons.
