(This is the introductory story for a week-long series beginning Tuesday about breast cancer awareness in Harlan County.)

By the end of the year, breast cancer will have struck over 200,000 women in the Unites States and will have claimed the lives of an estimated 39,800.

In Kentucky alone, more than 3,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, and an estimated 600 deaths will occur. Through research, education, advocacy and support programs, the American Cancer Society remains dedicated in the fight against the disease.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the seriousness of the disease, its effect upon thousands of families, and progress that's being made in finding a cure, will be the focal point of several events being planned. This year, the organization is promoting two of its numerous support groups "Look Good...Feel Better" and "Reach to Recovery."

"Look Good...Feel Better" is a program in which a trained volunteer cosmetologist helps female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment by teaching them beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self-image. "Reach to Recovery" is a volunteer visitation program that matches breast cancer survivors with someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer. A "Reach to Recovey" volunteer listens to the patient's concerns, recommends resources and offers emotional support.

"It's so important for women who have been touched by this disease to have a network of friends and supporters who understand and have been there," said ACS volunteer and Harlan County coordinator Robin Shanks. "They really need this support to help them cope."

Some of the events taking place in Harlan County during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a mammography day and a "Bells of Hope" program on Oct. 17.

The program will be observed in Harlan County to educate women, encourage them to receive annual mammograms and to help detect cancerous breast changes. According to Shanks, mammographies are the most important means of early detection because the simple, low dose breast X-ray can detect lumps as small as pinheads long before physical symptoms can be seen or felt. And when breast cancer is detected in its early stages, it can be successfully treated 97 percent of the time.

For more information about mammography tests offered Oct. 17 within the county, contact Shanks at 837-0701.

"Bells of Hope" will also take place Oct. 17 at Cumberland's Southeast Community College. Beginning at noon, the program will honor the memory of women who've had to battle the deadly disease. Those attending to plan the program are asked to wear pink. A cancer coalition meeting will follow at 1:30 p.m.

Shanks said there are five facts friends should share with each other about the disease.

n All women are at risk for breast cancer even those who have no family history of the disease.

n The greatest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.

n Survival rates are high for woman diagnosed with early stage breast cancer when the cancer is small and has not spread. Woman 40 or older should have an annual mammogram and breast exam every year, and women age 20 to 39 should have a breast exam every three years.

n Breast cancer awareness that should be shared among friends this month involves smart strategies to reduce risks factors for developing the disease such as regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol intake.

n Through early detection and improved treatment, more women than ever are beating the odds.

For more information about support groups, services and resources provided by the American Cancer Society, call Shanks or the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, or log onto www.cancer.org.