Ellington

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

These days, nearly every woman knows a friend, mother, grandmother, co-worker or family member who has undergone treatment for breast cancer. Although the cancer can affect men, it remains an overwhelmingly female disease. "Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for nearly 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed in US women," the American Cancer Society states.

Early diagnosis is vital, as the two major factors that influence breast cancer survival are stage at diagnosis and age at diagnosis. The ACS recommends all women become familiar with breast exams and women over 40 get a mammogram every year.

Local Ways to Get Involved:

•Banjos, Ballads and Buddies. Proceeds from this concert at the Clyde Muse Center on Oct. 27 will help with the cost of surgery and treatment for Beth Rawls as she battles breast cancer. Musicians include Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle, Jerry Salley, Val Storey and Bradley Walker. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.

•Chelley's Italian Catering raffle. Chelley's in Byram is raffling off a 2004 custom pink Infiniti. Each ticket is $25 and a portion of the proceeds goes to the Central Mississippi Breast Cancer Society. Raffle ends Dec. 24. Visit chelleysitaliancatering.com/pink-car-giveaway.html for more information.

•Fund for the Girls. The Center for Breast Health at Baptist for Women established Fund for the Girls to "help women overcome financial anxiety about breast care." Support the fund by purchasing tickets to "Christmas at Lynnstone" on Thursday, Nov. 29 (tickets are $180), or by entering the raffle for a trip for two at three 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties (raffle tickets are $100). Both options are tax deductible. Visit fundforthegirls.com for more information.

•Pucker Up for a Cure. If the Rebirth Alliance, an organization that helps breast cancer patients, can raise $25,000 before Oct. 31, Baptist Hospital physician Dr. Phillip Ley will kiss a piglet on Halloween at noon. Call 601-966-7252 for more information.

•Pink the Runway. The Friends of Survivors organization is putting on a "Pink the Runway" benefit fashion show Sunday, Oct. 28, at 3 p.m. at Rain Event Hall. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door, and all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Call 601-665-5645 or email [email protected] for more information.

Add more ways to support breast cancer awareness in the Jackson area at jfp.ms/breastcancermonth.