Specially named coffee flavors, pink ribbons and posters boasting, “Go ahead, feel ‘em,” have flooded the campus throughout October and Breast Cancer Awareness month.

While research and awareness are important, medical officials also stress prevention.

Mary Ellen Carano, coordinator of cancer research at Mary Greeley Medical Center, said breast cancer is not solely a result of genetics or solely a result of one’s environment.

“It’s a broad topic,” Carano said. “Breast cancer cannot be defined as one or the other.”

While breast cancer has an extremely high survival rate — the five-year survival rate for breast cancer patients is 98.0 percent, according to the National Cancer Institute — it is important to take time to prevent disease.

“Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least three times per week, avoiding alcohol — which is tough while in college — and refraining from tobacco use are all excellent ways to cut one’s risk for breast cancer,” Carano said.

Women and men should start performing self-checks or should be scheduling appointments at local health canters for monthly breast exams at the age of 20, according to the National Cancer Institute website.

“Regular screening tests for breast cancer, such as an annual mammogram and a breast exam during your annual checkup, allow you and your doctor to ensure that your breasts are as healthy as they can be. Screening also increases the likelihood that your doctor will find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable,” according to www.breastcancer.org.

While the future is bright with simple steps to protect against breast cancer, the importance of prevention is not to be overlooked. Easy steps today ensure for a healthy tomorrow, Carano said.