October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and although we hear it often, it’s true – almost everyone has been touched by cancer in some way or another whether it be a family member, friend, co-worker or even yourself who has battled the disease.

According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation web site, an estimated one in nine Canadian women are expected to develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. In 2014, it is estimated that 24,400 Canadian women and 210 Canadian men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

It’s also estimated that 5,000 women and 60 men will die of the disease.

Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer diagnosis in women in Canada over the age of 20 and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Canadian women, after lung cancer.

But thanks to the work of dedicated breast cancer scientists and clinicians we are seeing more targeted and less invasive treatments, fewer side effects and better outcomes.

Fewer women in Canada are dying from breast cancer today than in the past. Breast cancer deaths have decreased by 43% since they peaked in 1986 due to earlier detection through regular mammography screening, advances in screening technology, and improved treatments.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages women and men to practice breast awareness – to know how your breasts normally look and feel, and what changes to check for and discuss with a health care provider.

Even though many breast changes are normal, some changes are not. Unusual changes can be caused by a benign (noncancerous) condition, or they may be a sign of cancer. Most breast changes will not be breast cancer, but should be checked by a health care provider.

Meanwhile, this weekend, thousands of supporters will gather for the annual Run for the Cure.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is the largest single-day event of its kind in Canada.

Thousands of Canadians come together in communities across the country to raise funds, awareness and contribute to creating a future without breast cancer.

Last year, the CIBC Run for the Cure raised more than $30 million. In Red Deer alone, there were 1,235 participants at the event and more than $256,500 was raised here. Now, that is something Red Deerians can be proud of.

This year’s event runs Oct. 5th at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. Opening ceremonies are at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call
403-340-3959 or email Teams_Reddeer@cbcfrun.org.

Organization representatives say that support of the event helps fund groundbreaking research, education and advocacy initiatives across Canada. We encourage Red Deerians to show their support for the event as registrations will be taken up until the event begins.