“You have breast cancer” are four words no woman wants to hear. Unfortunately, over 5,000 women in Tennessee will hear that dreaded phrase this year. These women are the reason the American Cancer Society (ACS) continues to fight this disease through events like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – a noncompetitive five-mile walking event to celebrate survivors and to raise awareness about early detection and prevention of breast cancer. Walks will be held this month in Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a powerful and inspiring event, it celebrates people who have battled breast cancer, educates about ways to combat the disease, and empowers communities to join the fight. Through events like Making Strides, the ACS seeks to save lives through its programs for prevention and early detection of breast cancer, extend support to cancer patients throughout their diagnosis and provide funding for groundbreaking research. More than 11 million survivors alive today mirror the progress being made by the society’s efforts.

How does the ACS work to prevent breast cancer?

Detecting breast cancer early, at its most treatable stage, is crucial to survival. The ACS provides screening guidelines, educates clinicians and engages in efforts to increase public awareness about the importance of yearly mammograms. The ACS website (www.cancer.org) features a Mammogram Reminder page where women can sign up to receive an email reminder to schedule a yearly mammogram in the month of their choice. The ACS recommends that all women 40 and older get a mammogram every year, in addition to a breast exam by their doctor or nurse as part of their regular health checkup.

How does the ACS help women and men with breast cancer focus on getting well?

The ACS provides free programs and services in nearly every community around the country to ensure patients have the information and constant support they need.

How does the ACS work to find cures?

The ACS invests more in breast cancer research to better understand, prevent, and cure the disease than in any other solid tumor site. They take pride in funding promising researchers early in their careers, and their track record reflects this. Of the researchers chosen for society funding throughout the years, 44 have gone on to win the Nobel Prize. The ACS has been involved in nearly every major breast cancer research breakthrough of the last century.

How does the ACS fight back against breast cancer?

Right now, cancer can’t be defeated in hospitals and doctors’ offices alone. The ACS works with legislators to pass laws on cancer-related issues and rallies communities to join the fight. Thanks in large part to donations from the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events the ACS’s advocacy efforts are affecting many of the laws that control available options for people battling cancer.

Since 1993, when it began with walks in Boston and New Hampshire, Making Strides has become the society’s premier event to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer. In 18years, more than six million walkers across the United States have raised over $400 million. Last year in Tennessee, over 22,000 walkers in Nashville and Memphis participated in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, raising over $700,000 for the fight. In 2011, Tennessee will host Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks again in Nashville and Memphis as well as Knoxville’s first annual event.

To learn more about Making Strides or to get help any time, day or night, call 800.227.2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Tennessee Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Events
Knoxville
Sun., Oct. 2
Knoxville Civic Coliseum Plaza
Makingstridesknoxville.org

Nashville
Sat., Oct. 15
LP Field
Makingstridesnashville.org

Memphis
Sat., Oct. 15
Laurelwood Shopping Center
Makingstridesmemphis.org