Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Numerous cancer researches have been done to understand the disease better. In women, breast cancer is the second most common cancer next to lung cancer.
There are millions of affected women in the world and 200,000 more will be diagnosed with the disease in 2007. Current statistics show that breast cancer claims the life of 1 woman every 13 minutes. It would be really beneficial if there is higher awareness on breast cancer. Knowing about the disease, its causes, symptoms, treatment and management, will greatly help patients and families of these patients understand the disease better. One of the most effective breast cancer awareness programs is the breast cancer walk. In the United States, there is the Breast Cancer 3-Day benefit. A fund raising program participated by men and women who want to make a difference in the lives of these breast cancer victims. The program involves 3 days or 60 miles of walking and participated by millions of people from all over the nation. It is a chance for the participants to learn about cancer and at the same time help in promoting awareness. Although it may seem a lot of work, the breast cancer walk is actually fun. Since a breast cancer walk is not a race, participants can actually walk leisurely. It's the perfect chance to meet people from all walks of life and share experiences. The route is filled with safety and support nets with people standing by to offer food and drinks. There are medical volunteers on stand by for emergency medical attention. At the end of each day, participants get to rest, shower, and eat a scrumptious dinner. Comfortable sleeping bags and tents are supplied for a good night's rest. All these friendly accommodations can make the Breast Cancer Walk a truly unique experience.
If you want to participate but feel like you are not ready for such physical activity, you should not worry. There are training manuals provided that will put you in perfect shape to walk in no time at all. Training walks will even be organized in your area to practice long-distance walking. Since the Breast Cancer 3-day Series are held in different cities like Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Michigan and Philadelphia, you can practice at the city nearest you. It's a good idea to join in on the Breast Cancer Walk. Not only is it great exercise, but it's also fun and it's for a great cause. Since a breast cancer walk is mostly a fund raising program to support breast cancer research, education, treatment and screening, you will be asked to raise a certain amount for the cause. You would be surprised to know that most participants exceed this amount because of the amazing generosity of friends, co-workers and families. Even people you do not know will eagerly support you in your cause. Proceeds of the breast cancer walk will be distributed to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure movement, which has already generated $1 billion to date for fighting breast cancer, and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, a public charity that is considered to one of the largest independent charitable institutions in the United States.
By Sven Ullmann
