October was breast cancer awareness month. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, more than 3.8 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with breast cancer. More than 42,000 people in the country lose their battle with the disease each year.
UMES’ Nutrition and Health Program collaborated with the Komen non-profit organization and student organizations on campus to host an ice cream social awareness event October 24, from 5-7 p.m. in the Student Services Center. Along with the frozen treat, attendees partook in a discussion panel with the experts.
Expert panelists were Dr. David Walker, a general surgeon affiliated with the Mid Atlantic Surgical Group and co-director of the Peninsula Breast Center at Peninsula Regional Medical Center; Dr. Walid Elayass, an oncologist at Peninsula Regional Medical Center; and Dr. Marie Oyalowo, an associate professor in UMES’ School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. Representatives of Komen and UMES’ Men of Distinction; Hollerin’ Hawks; Women of Distinction; My Sister’s Keeper; Pharmacy School; and the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention Center also presented.
“Students not only prepared presentations based on the Komen organization’s guidance, but they also had the opportunity to prepare questions for the panelists,” said Dr. Virginie Zoumenou, director of UMES’ 1890 Nutrition and Health Programs, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension. “Overall, students showed their knowledge of breast cancer. They also reported that they learned a lot from the experts and understood that breast cancer is not only for women, but also for men, and everyone needs to be involved in the fight against breast cancer. The discussion panel proved an opportunity to increase breast cancer awareness among students at UMES. Hopefully, there will be future opportunities to involve more students in the fight against the disease.”
For breast health or breast cancer information, call the Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-Go Komen or email helpline@komen.org.
Left to right: Dr. Virginie Zoumenou, Dr. Walid Elayass, Dr. Marie Oyalowo, Dr. David Walker, Ricki Reavis.
