Breast Cancer Awareness Starts With You

In Georgia, about 7,000 women will be diagnosed with an invasive form of breast cancer this year.

Of that number, roughly 1,100 will lose their battle.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate is using its considerable voice and clout to raise awareness and money for a cure to the disease, which is expected to claim the lives of 40,000 women across the country this year alone.

With awareness comes the responsibility of taking action.

For example, less than 50 percent of women who are 40 years of age and older get annual mammograms, Komen Atlanta says.

That's a key statistic the group wants to change through several outreach and awareness campaigns.

The earlier it's detected, the greater chance for a better outcome.

It can't be said plainer than that.

To that end, here's how you can get involved locally:

• Race for the Cure 2012: Registration began Saturday, Oct. 1 for next year’s 22nd Annual Komen Atlanta Race for the Cure scheduled for Saturday, May 12. After registration, you can create your own personal race page and monitor fundraising progress. Registration is $35 for adults and $15 for the first 750 children 12 and under.
• Kroger Pink Ribbon Saturday: Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Komen Atlanta has partnered with 25 Atlanta-area Kroger stores to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Komen volunteers will be at the Kroger stores at 1160 Moreland Ave. and 1225 Caroline St.
• Pink Promise Partner Party: Thursday, Oct. 27. Komen Atlanta Pink Promise Partners are individual patrons who have agreed to make an annual donation at the $1,000 level or above and corporations that have given $5,000 or above. Local physicians are also encouraged to become Pink Promise Practices at the $2,500 level. All contributions are used to fund screening services and education programs in Komen Atlanta's 10-county service area and also to support cutting edge research to find a cure. All major donors will be invited to a thank you party Oct. 27 with guest of honor, actress Meredith Baxter, a breast cancer survivor.
• Worship in Pink Weekend: Oct. 28-30. 75,000 metro Atlantans are expected to Worship in Pink on the weekend of Oct. 28. Komen Atlanta invites local churches, mosques and synagogues to join its promise to end breast cancer forever by participating in the sixth Annual Worship in Pink Weekend. An expected 200 organizations will register with Komen Atlanta to receive packets of breast health information for members of their congregations.