Breast cancer awareness month came to a close at Sacramento State with guest speaker and alumna Beverly Saldivar from the American Cancer Society who talked about her personal bout with breast cancer.

Saldivar went back to school to get her degree in 1990. At the time she was still raising a family. She graduated in 1999 from Sacramento State with a degree in psychology.

Shortly following graduation, Saldivar found out she had breast cancer. During her annual mammogram the technician noticed something on the x-ray. There was no history of breast cancer in her family and no noticeable lumps on her breasts. She said she did not have pain or feel different.

Saldivar said her cancer was caught in the earliest stages and treatable.

“I had to have more than one lumpectomy because the doctor didn’t get it all the first time,” she said.

Saldivar decided on a mastectomy because she did not want to go through chemotherapy or radiation treatments. She was also afraid that the cancer would come back if she did not have the mastectomy.

Saldivar wants women to know that the American Cancer Society gives free mammograms and Pap tests for women in California who have minimum or no insurance. In addition, if women are diagnosed with breast cancer, treatments including reconstructive surgery are free.

“When you find out you have cancer, there is no worse feeling than worrying about how you will pay for it,” Saldivar said.

Saldivar said the society also passes out beauty kits to women. The kits include cosmetics, head coverings and wigs to assist women with hair loss.

She explained reconstructive surgery techniques are much better now. She said the surgery is not as disfiguring as it has been in the past.

“Prevention is the key,” Saldivar said.

The Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc., Xi Gamma Chapter coordinated this last event for October.

Raquel Alfaro, sorority club president wants everyone to be aware of the signs of breast cancer and know that prevention is the key.

The sorority passed out pink ribbons and took donations for the cancer society throughout the month.

Instead of cheering on the walkers at the Stride for Life walk at the Capitol on Oct. 19, sorority members joined in the walk this year.

According to the American Cancer Society, Sacramento county is expecting 5,320 new cancer cases in 2008. Of those new cases, 855 will be breast cancer.

For students who need support with breast cancer, Laurie Bisset Grady, director of health education at the Health Center, said the medical staff is able to give referrals to support groups within the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen group. She also recommended searching on the center site.

“If a student is concerned about a change in his or her body, there are medical advisors here to talk about the concerns. Remember, early detection of cancer is the key,” Grady said.

Sally King can be reached at [email protected]