Many organizations and individuals around the area are stepping up to fight breast cancer, a disease that strikes mostly women, but affects entire families.

Breast cancer is a disease that affects thousands of people in this country and is the second leading cause of cancer death in women-only lung cancer surpasses it. According to the American Cancer Society’s website, cancer.org, about 12 percent of women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. This year, more than 226,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. More than 63,000 new non-invasive cases will also be diagnosed. More than 35,000 women will succumb to the disease.

Below are some of the upcoming events to raise breast cancer awareness in this area.

• Scrap Out Cancer, Friday, Oct. 12, 5-9 p.m. Those who love scrapbooking can plan to take part in Scrap Out Cancer, which will be held in the cafeteria at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander. At this event, participants can enjoy scrapbooking, card making and education, and it’s at no charge. Staff from the James Beck Cancer Center will be on hand to share information about breast health as well as scrapbooking tips and techniques. Those planning to attend are asked to bring their own projects, tools and papers. Refreshments and snacks will be offered and those attending will have the chance to take home raffle and door prizes as well as goody bags. Space is limited and pre-registration is appreciated. To register, just call (888) 735-7189.

• Rhinelander GM Auto Center will host Marshfield Clinic’s Mobile Mammography Unit on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The unit offers one-on-one mammography screening from licensed and certified female technicians. Please note that walk-in service isn’t available and appointments are required; call (715) 221-6086 to schedule an appointment. Also, patients with health insurance or Medicare are required to bring their health insurance cards. Those patients who need financial assistance are advised to call the Marshfield Clinic Patient Assistance staff at (715) 389-4475. Marshfield Clinic’s Mobile Mammography Program contributes significantly to women’s health-last year, it put on 110,000 miles and screened more than 7,000 people throughout the state.

• Free mammogram screening offered by Ministry Sacred Heart and Saint Mary’s Hospitals through October. See the Star Journal or starjournalnow.com for more information.

• Pink Ribbon Promotion. Check out the article “Pink Ribbon promotion” in the Star Journal or on starjournalnow.com for more information about participating businesses.

Although breast cancer claims thousands of lives every year, there is good news. Female breast cancer rates have been declining, a trend that many attribute to early detection. According to the American Cancer Society, there are now 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. With earlier detection, improving treatment options and increased education, the fight against breast cancer is a fight we can win.