The Richardson-Plano (TX) Alumni chapter (RPA) is continuing our awareness campaign. We began in the month of August with “Grey for Jada” in support of the gray ribbon, for brain cancer awareness, and last month RPA recognized the blue ribbon, for prostate cancer awareness (PCa).
This month we recognize the pink ribbon, Breast Cancer Awareness (BCa) Month. BCa month is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities each October to increase awareness of the disease, raise funds for the research, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease, and ultimately to find a cure.
We display the joint symbol for BCa and PCa for this post because studies have shown that a family history of prostate cancer (PCa) or breast cancer (BCa) have been associated with the risk of PCa. At our September chapter meeting a personal account of a family history of PCa was presented. Our guest speaker was Mr. Lawrence Ellis, the brother of Brother Steve Ellis (RPA Spotlight Brother of the Month for September). Mr. Ellis is a prostate cancer survivor and he shared his family history of PCa which is on both his mother and father’s side of the family, so the risks and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, run high.
All RPA members were well informed and as a sign of our appreciation for the PCa presentation, RPA gave the Louisiana native a gift card to Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen.
RPA also recogonized the prostate cancer survivors in the chapter that were present.
As we recognize BCa month, we want to emphasis early detection through screenings and increased knowledge of family history of PCa or BCa to reduce the risk of both cancers is paramount. The association between a family history with both PCa and BCa are alarmingly evident with widespread screening tests of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Schedule your screening today.