HOUSTON, October 8, 2012 – Throughout October, the University of Houston will join organizations across the nation in observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international health campaign organized to educate the public about the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. 

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides a unique opportunity for students, faculty and staff to learn more about breast cancer, as well as to support their friends and family members who have a breast cancer diagnosis,” said Beverly McPhail, director of the Women's Resource Center (WRC). 

UH will host the following activities aimed at early detection of the disease and support for research and breast cancer survivors and victims. 

* The UH Health Center will offer free manual breast exams to UH students, faculty and staff with a valid photo ID from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10 and Thursday, Oct. 18. The manual breast exams will be done on a walk-in basis. No appointment is needed.

* Throughout the month, the Women’s Resource Center will distribute brochures and other relevant material at its office in the University Center, Room 279A. Visitors to the center also will have the opportunity to paint their nails pink in support of breast cancer awareness. The center will also will staff a table with information about breast cancer from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the UC Satellite.

* UH Dining Services will host a lunch honoring breast cancer survivors and victims at the Fresh Food Company from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10. 

Staff reports