October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month, and for many, that means it is time to get involved and fight for a cure. The American Cancer Society’s 2nd Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k Walk will be held in Tuscaloosa this Saturday.

This is one of at least 270 events across the country this year to support the fight against breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society will hold three walks in Alabama throughout the month of October in Mobile, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa.

Over 3,450 women in Alabama are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, and over 710 will die from the disease, according to Mary-Kathryn Walker, associate director of communications and marketing for the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society. Walker said it is imperative that students involve themselves with Making Strides to add to the success of the overall fight to end cancer.

“This walk is geared towards the students for research and awareness. Breast cancer does not discriminate; women need to know that it is important to get screened,” Walker said.

In the last two decades, over 8 million participants have walked for breast cancer, raising over $460 million to fund a cure for this life-threatening disease. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in women and the second-leading cause of death in women.

“When more walkers raise money to end breast cancer, there will be more survivors able to celebrate more birthdays,” Anna Lisa Sexton, Making Strides event manager, said.

The Tuscaloosa Making Strides Walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 6th at Government Plaza. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the walk, which is open to the public, begins at 9 a.m. Also, volunteers are needed to help make sure this year’s Making Strides event is a success.