The pink ribbon that symbolises breast cancer awareness. - Andrew Smith/Photography Editor

October is breast cancer awareness month. This is a time when women come together to support and comfort each other through the disease that affects millions of women worldwide.

In Kingston and St. Andrew alone, between 1998-2002 the incidence of breast cancer in women was 40.1 per 100,000 per year, making breast cancer the most common disease in women. Based on these statistics, one out of every 23 women will contract breast cancer in her lifetime.

A survey conducted in 1999 showed that at least 16 women per year die from breast cancer in Jamaica.

So this month, let us unite for our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins and friends who are fighting the disease.

Don't fight the fight alone. The Jamaica Cancer Society has a list of activities for the strong women who put on a brave face every day and continue to press on.

Source: Jamaicacancersociety.org

List of activities being put on by the Jamaica Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 8-9: Survivor make-overs at Leon School of Beauty Culture, 7 Lady Musgrave Road.

Appointments only.

October 13: Jamaica Cycling Federation Ride For Life - Kingston to Negril

October 19: World Mammography Day

October 25: Keeping Abreast Luncheon - Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

October 27: Denise Thwaites 5K Walk/Run

October 29: Breast Cancer Public Forum

Contact the Jamaica Cancer society for more details at 927-4265.