I remember as a college student walking into the shower in the community bathroom of my residence hall and noticing a plastic placard hanging from the neck of the shower faucet. It listed step-by-step instructions for completing a self-breast exam. I paid no real attention to this sign, took my shower, and went on with my day filled with classes and friends. I was 19 years old and believed breast cancer was no concern for me at this young age. I'm sure I believed breast cancer would never be a concern for me at all -- ever.

I found my own lump in the shower 18 months ago -- a small, pea-sized, hard lump that I felt when washing and examining myself for anything out-of-the-ordinary. I think of that placard often and hope more young women are paying attention to these life-saving tips.

A friend asked me recently to help him locate these signs for the college students he works with. I found them, thanks to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and I am thrilled that they hang in the showers on at least one college campus.

Although I did not pay attention in the showers on my own college campus, these placards did influence me -- because 16 years later, I remember them. This is the very essence of awareness, I think.