IMMOKALEE – The Immokalee Reservation came together Oct. 24 to raise awareness for breast cancer prevention and support cancer survivors. The Immokalee Recreation Department, Integrative Health, and the office of Immokalee Council Liaison Jaime Yzaguirre organized a breakfast and community walk to observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place each October.

Organizers marked off a residential block in the neighborhood adjacent to the Immokalee Recreation Center for participants to walk around eight times – signifying the statistic that one in eight women will get breast cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Indian Cancer Foundation.

According to AICF materials that were distributed at the event, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for Native American women. It usually has no symptoms when the tumor is small and most treatable. The AICF recommends an optional clinical breast exam for those 40-44; an annual mammogram screening for those 45-54; and a mammogram screening every two years, with an option to screen annually, for those 55 and over.

More is at americanindiancancer.org.