Last week, Kent State students and faculty learned through an email that President Beverly Warren was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The diagnosis came from a routine physical examination. According to Warren’s email update, her cancer is in an early stage and it is likely she will have a full recovery from surgery.

Warren underwent surgery Friday, and is recovering.

Despite everything, Warren emphasized the importance of keeping up with medical examinations.

“I hope that my experience will reinforce the value of routine preventive health care and the importance of a commitment to wellness that will help us realize our vision of Kent State University as one of the nation’s healthiest campuses,” she wrote in her email.

Comments flooded social media as students, faculty and colleagues alike expressed their support for Warren, coining the hashtag #BevStrong.

In light of such a reality for many, the importance of keeping up with physical examinations is paramount.

Normally, an individual should go in for a physical exam annually. However, that varies depending on a person’s age and medical provider. Furthermore, the specific exams women and men should have also vary from yearly to every few years. To be safe, a simple check with their medical provider at home or with Kent State’s University Health Services can do the trick.

Worst case, if a person is diagnosed with an illness, it’s best to know earlier rather than later.