There are several special events taking place in October that provide us with great opportunities to get active with our families and friends. The annual events help raise funds for non-profit organizations that help people with treatment of certain cancers, and to find a cure for cancer.

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure will be held Sunday, October 9 at Cesar Chavez Plaza in Phoenix. Female breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in Arizona. Susan G. Komen Arizona is studying the breast cancer mortality gap among African American, Native American, and Hispanic women. We will have a team participating in this year’s Race for the Cure.

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk/Run will be held on Saturday, October 22 at Tempe Beach Park. We partner with the American Cancer Society on several cancer-related projects, including breast cancer treatment and research. Our staff will also be participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.

The Colon Cancer Alliance 2016 Undy Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, October 22 at the State Capitol District in downtown Phoenix. Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among both women and men in Arizona. The recommended age to get screened is 50, but talk to your healthcare provider right away if you experience symptoms at any age. We also have a team from our department participating in this year’s Undy Run/Walk event. A portion of the event proceeds benefit ADHS to help us cover some cancer treatment services for uninsured colorectal cancer patients.