Several south Fulton entities are championing breast cancer awareness and prevention throughout October.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates one in eight women will be diagnosed.
Local activities during a month in which supporters sport pink are aimed at preventing the progress of the deadly disease.
Leading the pack is WellStar Atlanta Medical Center South at 1170 Cleveland Ave. in East Point, providing free mammograms to consumers who meet eligibility requirements.
No appointments are necessary on Walk-in Wednesdays all month long from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
WellStar Camp Creek Outpatient Imaging at 3890 Redwine Road in Atlanta also has Walk-in Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, women aged 40 and older are encouraged to get their annual mammogram. WellStar locations are making it easier,” hospital spokeswoman Nicole Gustin said in a statement. “Just stop by during walk-in hours.”
Saturday appointments also are available.
Information: 404-265-3828 or https://bit.ly/2fD9KhE
Teeing up next is New Life Presbyterian Church, 6600 Old National Hwy., College Park.
It will hold its eighth annual Cancer Awareness Weekend from Oct. 11 to 14.
The church is working to improve access to cancer screening and treatment for uninsured individuals, especially underserved black and minority ethnic group women, organizer and church member Phyllis Minter said.
“At New Life we are attempting to raise the awareness of cancer and early detection to help all to realize that cancer does not discriminate,” she said. “It touches every family, age level, income bracket, profession and gender. Knowledge is strength.”
Minter said the weekend will provide information about available resources and networking opportunities.
Its theme is Living Life Victoriously Through the Storm. Events begin with the Swing for a Cure golf tournament Oct. 11 at noon at Whitewater Creek Golf Club, 175 Birkdale Drive in Fayetteville. Registration is $100. The 5K cancer walk and run is Oct. 13 at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $25. A special worship service will be held Oct. 14 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Matthew Wesley Williams.
Information: 770-996-7159 or https://bit.ly/2LMCjae
In Union City, the fifth annual Pinktober breast cancer walk and run 5K will be held at Ronald Bridges Park, 5285 Lakeside Drive, Oct. 13 from 8 to 10 a.m.
The course is an unofficially timed, flat route, “perfect for strollers, families and children to run or walk,” according to the city’s website.
Proceeds will benefit breast cancer research.
Information: 770-964-2288 or https://bit.ly/2DGZG6v
The Buckhead-based nonprofit Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta, one of WellStar’s screenings benefactors along with It’s the Journey and the WellStar Foundation, also weighs in during October.
It is holding its second Get Up Atlanta fitness challenge.
“The Get Up fitness challenge is great way to fit exercise into the busy lives of our supporters while contributing to Susan G. Komen’s ‘Bold Goal’ to reduce the number of breast cancer deaths in half by 2026,” nonprofit Executive Director Cati Diamond Stone said in a statement. “Research indicates that regular exercise can lower breast cancer risk by 10 to 20 percent, so being active is important in the fight against breast cancer.”
Participants can get involved through a gym, employer programs or individual workouts.
Information: https://bit.ly/2NPsVsp
All year long, the Fulton County Board of Health breast and cervical cancer prevention program provides breast exams and mammograms for free or at low cost to women 40 to 64 without health insurance or who qualify as low-income.
According to its website, early diagnosis is the key to reducing breast cancer deaths.
The board of health urges all women over 40 to have regular mammograms.
Its College Park Regional Health Center is at 1920 John Wesley Ave.
Information: 404-612-1649 or https://bit.ly/2NTcUlh