One in seven women will develop it, nearly 3,660 Hoosier women will be diagnosed with it and approximately 820 will die from this disease — breast cancer.
Sources say that breast cancer in women is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death.
Jodi Pickens, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer specialist in Central Indiana, says the best way to save lives is to encourage women over 40 to receive mammograms.
“Early detection is crucial when dealing with breast cancer, and the sooner women realize that the better,” Pickens said.
Despite financial barriers or uninsured or underinsured, Pickens says The American Cancer Society is there to assist through its four core values of research, education, advocacy and patient service programs.
Of these many efforts includes its 2008 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, the only event that the American Cancer Society conducts where funds are restricted toward a specific cancer type.
“It’s Central Indiana’s opportunity to rally the community in the fight against breast cancer,” Pickens said.
Last year the event raised more than $350,000 toward funding research and medical advancements in breast cancer studies. With participation numbers growing, it hopes to exceed last year’s amount with this year’s attendance peaking more than 8,000 at the Oct. 18 walk.
Della White-Hollis, a nine-year cancer survivor, says she has been a vocal instrument in breast cancer awareness and an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society.
“I participate in just about anything the American Cancer Society allows me to. It has been a blessing,” White-Hollis said. “To be able to raise the funds that are necessary for women that are unable to pay, and our African-American women are the ones that are dying because of the lack of funding.”
Passionate about the work the American Cancer Society does, White-Hollis has been a participant of the walk for five years and plans to attend this year’s engagement.
“My team is called By Faith because when I was diagnosed I just left it in Gods hands and relied on faith,” White-Hollis said.
Along with White-Hollis, many other cancer survivors will attend the walk in support of the American Cancer Society’s efforts to educate the community in Central Indiana and gather more financial resources.
“This walk is going to give many people the opportunity to be a part of something magical, and I encourage all who can to come out and participate.” Pickens said.
This year’s walk will be at Celebration Plaza at White River State Park and registration starts at 7:30 a.m. The walk will promptly begin at 9 a.m.
For more information, call 1-800 -ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
