ACS asks to help fight against breast cancer

Breast cancer affects more Americans than any other type of cancer, striking once every three minutes, according to the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event is an opportunity to take action in the fight against the disease. Monmouth County residents are encouraged to walk for breast cancer on Sunday, Oct. 15, according to an ACS press release.

ACS is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. ACS' eastern division has 46 community-based offices, involving thousands of volunteers throughout New York and New Jersey, the release said.

According to ACS, one out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In New Jersey alone, 8,110 women will be diagnosed this year with the disease.

Participating in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer helps support cancer research, vital patient and family support programs in the community and public policies that improve access to breast cancer screening, according to the release, and also serves to educate the community on breast cancer screening guidelines.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a fun way for the whole family to get involved in the fight against breast cancer. Participants can build teams of family, friends and/or co-workers to walk in honor of someone who lost his or her battle to cancer or in celebration of a survivor, according to the ACS release.

Anyone motivated to fight breast cancer is encouraged to participate in the 5K noncompetitive walk to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer initiatives.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the walk scheduled to start at 9 a.m. at the Arnold Avenue Band Shell in Point Pleasant Beach.

Those who wish to Make Strides Against Breast Cancer can call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org-/stridesonline.