PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria’s “More Than Pink” Walk returns this weekend, bringing together breast cancer survivors, their families, and friends who’ve supported their journeys.
For many years, the event was called the Susan G. Komen “Race For The Cure”.
Komen Memorial Affiliate Executive Director Gayle Young explains the meaning of “More Than Pink”.
“On-site now there are four bright colored tents…representing the mission of Susan G. Komen. The first is research, the second is care, the third is all about being a community, and the fourth is about action,” Young says.
When it comes to breast cancer prevention, Young says early detection is key.
“The data shows that…your five year survival rate with an early stage breast cancer, a stage one breast cancer, is over 99-percent. And, we know that every stage we move from that, your survival rate decreases,” Young says.
Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a final recommendation that breast cancer screenings should start at 40, with screenings every other year after that.
But, Young says deciding when to get your first mammogram is a conversation you need to have with your doctor…especially if breast cancer runs in your family.
Saturday’s “More Than Pink” Walk in Peoria is open to everyone. If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time. You can even sign up Saturday morning on-site at Metro Centre beginning at 6:30.
Opening ceremonies will begin at 8 a.m., with the walk beginning between 8:20 and 8:25 a.m.
To sign up or learn more about the “More Than Pink” Walk or the Komen Foundation, click HERE.