Black Collegian News & Views

Florida A&M University

Realizing that he threat of breast cancer is very real, particularly in the African-American community, the Office of Student Activities and the Ladies of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. have come together to shed light on the evils of this disease.

The crowd that gathered for the 2nd annual FAMU Nite Out for Breast Cancer recently was restless and the air was filled with anxiety. Many students were lured to the event primarily because of the entertainment, which included Mahogany Dance Theatre, Epicurean, Heart and Soul and the Strikers Dance Troupe.

"I came because of the performers. I heard that the Strikers and Mahogany dancers were going to be here," said LaToya Williams, a sophomore cardiopulmonary science student from Dallas.

Despite the entertainment, the underlying message was breast cancer awareness. About 10 to 15 percent of cancers that can be felt do not show up on a mammogram. In addition, by detecting breast cancer early, nearly nine out of 10 women usually survive it and lead happy lives.

The program was coordinated Melanie Rousell, who was inspired to spread awareness to women when one of her friends died in 1999 of the disease. The program was dedicated to her friend Sonja Marie Gibson Llopis.

"I am very concerned about the importance of women’s health," said Rousell, a member of Delta Sigma Theta. "This is not an older woman's disease and I want college students to know the facts so that they can dismiss wrong assumptions."

Many students who flocked the doors of Lee Hall also had a genuine purpose for being there.

"My mother had breast cancer," said Laurie Holland, a freshman forestry student from Live Oak. "I wanted to learn more about the disease because I have heard that it was hereditary."

For more information, about breast cancer contact the American Cancer Society at
1-800-ACS-2345 or visit them at http://www.cancer.org.