Breast cancer events in South Florida

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- October is breast cancer awareness month and events are set to take place all across the country, including South Florida.

The 2012 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk takes place Saturday at Tropical Park. "Breast cancer occurs in one out of eight women," said Memorial Cancer Institute's Dr. Carmen Calfa, "so if you think about a room full of women, that's a significant number of women that will be affected at some point and time."

One of the best weapons to fight the disease is early detection. "Prevention of breast cancer would be really early detection; following the screening recommendations," said Calfa. "So, getting your mammograms starting at the age of 40."

Self-examinations and regular visits to the doctor were key in helping a local survivor. "I was diagnosed in May of 2008. I went through six months of treatment, which included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment," said Rhonda Smith. "I actually discovered my lump on my own, just purely by accident."

Smith's battle and others like hers prove to be an inspiration for women to get out and walk. "Last year, we had the phenomenal event, we had 11,000 women walking in the rain," said Baptist Health Breast Center Dr. Gladys Giron. "It was so nice, it was amazing. There were women with children, men-- husbands, boyfriends-- everyone was there with their pink bra to raise awareness and increase fund-raising for breast cancer."

Since 1993, more than eight million walkers have raised over $450 million to help battle breast cancer.

Join 7News anchor Diana Diaz in Southwest Miami-Dade on Saturday, at 9 a.m., for the breast cancer walk at Tropical Park on Bird Road near Palmetto.

On the same day and time, join 7News anchor Christine Cruz in Fort Lauderdale, at Huzienga Park on Las Olas Boulevard and Southeast First Avenue.

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