By Hazel Scott/ASU
On Thursday, October 22, Abernathy Hall at Alabama State University became a gathering place for education, encouragement and hope as members of the University community came together to raise awareness about breast cancer, emphasize the importance of early detection and support those whose lives have been touched by the disease.
Guided by the theme “Educate. Prevent. Support. Together We Fight,” the event highlighted the importance of understanding breast cancer risks, recognizing potential warning signs, seeking timely medical care and supporting individuals and families navigating a diagnosis.
The program brought together medical professionals, a breast cancer survivor and members of Hornet Nation to share information and personal experiences that underscored a central message: Knowledge, early detection and compassionate support can make a meaningful difference in the fight against breast cancer.
Among the featured speakers was Dr. Tanjula Petty, Alabama State University's vice president for Institutional Effectiveness, Strategic Initiatives and Transformation, who shared her breast cancer journey and encouraged attendees to prioritize their health and support others facing the disease.
Dr. Pamela Tuck, a family medicine specialist, discussed breast cancer risk factors, prevention and screening, while Dr. Joyce Loyd-Davis, director of Health Services at ASU, provided practical guidance on breast self-examinations and recognizing changes that may require medical attention.
The event also recognized five breast cancer survivors, each of whom received a gift and shared a positive word of affirmation. Their participation offered a powerful reminder that survivorship encompasses not only the experience of overcoming treatment and its challenges, but also the strength, encouragement and hope survivors can share with others.
Education and Early Detection Can Save Lives
Loyd-Davis emphasized the importance of becoming familiar with one's body through regular breast self-examinations. She demonstrated how to examine the breasts while standing in front of a mirror, in the shower or while lying down, helping attendees understand that breast self-awareness can be practiced in different settings.
“You should check your breasts every month so you become familiar with how they normally look and feel,” Loyd-Davis explained. “When you know what is normal for your body, you are more likely to recognize a change that needs medical attention.”
She also reminded attendees that breast cancer does not affect women exclusively; men can develop the disease as well.
Loyd-Davis discussed non-modifiable risk factors—those that cannot be changed—including biological and genetic factors and personal medical history. Understanding these risks, she explained, can help individuals make informed decisions about screening and conversations with their healthcare providers.
Both Loyd-Davis and Tuck encouraged attendees to begin paying attention to breast health early in adulthood, emphasizing the importance of regular self-awareness, appropriate screening and seeking medical advice when concerns arise.
Understanding the Risks and Removing Barriers to Care
Tuck expanded on the importance of prevention, explaining that while there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, individuals can take steps to reduce certain risks. These include maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and discussing personal and family medical histories with healthcare providers.
“Exercise should be part of our daily routine,” Tuck emphasized. “Make time to move your body every day. We have to make time for ourselves because self-care matters.”
She also encouraged attendees to understand which risk factors they can and cannot control and to remain proactive about their health.
According to figures cited from the Alabama Department of Public Health, approximately 4,900 women in Alabama are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2026, compared with previous annual benchmarks of approximately 4,500. About 720 deaths associated with breast cancer are expected annually in the state. Alabama's breast cancer mortality rate is reported at 21.3 deaths per 100,000 people, higher than the national rate of 20.2 per 100,000.
Tuck highlighted the disproportionate impact of breast cancer on African-American women, noting that their mortality rate is approximately 41% higher than that of White women.
Drawing on her experience working with patients in rural communities, she also discussed how transportation difficulties and limited access to medical services can prevent some individuals from obtaining regular mammograms. For patients facing these obstacles, screenings may be delayed for years, increasing the importance of improving access to preventive care.
Tuck stressed that breast cancer does not always produce noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making recommended screening especially important. Potential warning signs include a lump or thickening in the breast, nipple discharge, skin changes such as dimpling or redness, and persistent pain or discomfort. Although these changes do not always indicate cancer, they should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
“Talk to your family about your risk factors and have those conversations,” Tuck advised, encouraging attendees to learn their family histories and communicate openly about breast health.
She also underscored the importance of mammography, describing it as the gold standard for breast cancer screening and noting its contribution to improved outcomes and declining mortality rates.
“I cannot emphasize enough how important early detection is,” Tuck said. “We are seeing some breast cancers develop in younger women, which makes it important to be proactive about your health and speak with your healthcare provider about your individual risks.”
Her message to attendees was straightforward: Make breast health a priority, keep regular medical appointments, remain physically active, eat well and do not ignore changes in your body.
A Grandmother's Legacy Inspires a Lifelong Commitment
For Tuck, breast cancer awareness is also deeply personal. She spoke about the influence her grandmother had on her life and how witnessing her grandmother's experience with breast cancer helped shape her commitment to educating others.
“My grandmother was the first person I knew who had breast cancer,” Tuck shared. “I was in the sixth or seventh grade, and this was back in the 1980s. Her experience stayed with me, and it is one of the reasons I continue to do something each year to raise awareness.”
Tuck explained that breast cancer treatment has advanced significantly since her grandmother's diagnosis, reinforcing the importance of continued research, education and access to modern care.
“Her experience is one of the reasons I continue this work,” Tuck said. “The treatments available today are so different from what she experienced back then. I want people to understand how much progress has been made and why we must continue fighting this disease.”
Tuck’s remarks connected the advances in medical care to the importance of making sure people know about available screenings, treatment options and support services.
Turning a Personal Diagnosis into a Purpose
Petty's story brought the importance of early detection and survivorship into sharp focus.
Her breast cancer journey began in 2025, after she had received a clear mammogram. Six months later, while showering, she felt a lump in her breast. She sought additional testing and, on March 18, 2025, received a call from her doctor confirming a Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis.
Her experience served as a reminder that a previous clear screening does not mean someone should ignore a new lump or other concerning changes. Knowing one's body and promptly seeking medical attention remain essential parts of breast health.
Following her diagnosis, Petty endured 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 25 rounds of radiation. She has undergone three surgeries, with another operation still ahead, and continues to take oral chemotherapy, which she expects to continue for three to five years.
Despite the physical and emotional demands of treatment, Petty has transformed her experience into an opportunity to encourage others to prioritize their health, pursue early detection and approach life's most difficult seasons with faith and perspective.
“I’m here. I’m a survivor,” Petty said. “When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up or fight like hell.”
Her words reflected the determination required to navigate a cancer diagnosis while acknowledging the uncertainty and difficulty that can accompany treatment.
Petty also stressed the importance of speaking openly about cancer within families, regardless of age.
“We cannot be afraid to talk about the Big ‘C’—cancer,” she said. “We need to have these conversations in our homes. It does not matter whether you are young or old. At some point, we may face this disease ourselves or know someone who does, and we need to be prepared to support one another.”
Petty urged attendees to be thoughtful in how they approach people who have received a diagnosis, reminding them that compassion is often more helpful than unsolicited advice or stories about others who have died from the disease.
“When someone is going through cancer, nurture them with love, kindness and care,” Petty said. “Be mindful of what you say. Instead of bringing up someone else who died from cancer, offer encouragement, listen and uplift that person. Let them know they are not alone.”
Her message reinforced the emotional side of survivorship: Patients need room to express fear, exhaustion and uncertainty without feeling pressured to remain strong or positive at all times. Petty advised that meaningful support means listening, respecting the patient’s experiences and showing up with kindness throughout the journey.
For Petty, survivorship is more than overcoming a diagnosis. It is an opportunity to serve, inspire and remind others that even in life's most difficult moments, there can still be purpose.