To the Editor:

Now that the kids are back in school or vacations are finishing, it would be perfect to get new laces for your sneakers and sign up for the Susan G. Komen Central and South Jersey Affiliate Race for the Cure, Sunday, October 4, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson call (844) 668-7338 or email: race@komencsnj.org.

Why participate? Here are three great reasons. 1) Become an “awareness” messenger. Join the 8,000 expected and “voice” a vital message that early detection saves lives. Women’s lives are important! When breast cancer is diagnosed early, before it spreads beyond the breast, the five year survival rate is 99 percent. Men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. 2) Help your neighbor. Seventy-five percent of funds raised stay in local communities for education and screening for medically underserved and uninsured women and 25 percent support innovative breast cancer research. 3) Celebrate survivors and remember loved ones.

There are separate women and men’s 5K runs, 4K and 1 mile walks or Sleep in for the Cure. All athletic abilities are welcome. It is not necessary to be a serious running aficionado. This race is much more than competing to the finish line; it is a run or walk for life.

What to do for breast and overall health? Be proactive. Know your risk. Speak with your physician and family members about your health history. Get screened. Begin at age 20, and then have a clinical breast exam at least every three years. Women age 40-plus should have a mammogram every year. Know what is normal for you. If you notice any changes in your breasts including lumps, see your doctor. Do a healthy lifestyle makeover including diet, exercise, and sufficient rest.

If a woman cannot afford a mammogram or needs to know where to obtain one, please call the Komen office at (609) 896-1201.

Rochelle F. Hammer

Volunteer, Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Central and South Jersey Affiliate, Plainsboro