Alcorn State University’s School of Nursing will sponsor &uot;Breast Health Day&uot; Saturday, Oct. 7, in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The program will take place on the Natchez campus in the Cora Balmat Auditorium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited at no cost.

Mayor F.L. &uot;Hank&uot; Smith has proclaimed October Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Natchez. October marks the 15th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since the program began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older, and breast cancer deaths have declined by 1.8 percent each year since 1992.

Unfortunately, many women are still not aware of factors that increase their risk of breast cancer, and of the advantage of early detection via self-examination, clinical breast exams and mammograms. This year the American Cancer Society estimates Mississippi will have 2,000 new cancer cases and 400 cancer deaths.

&uot;Breast Health Day&uot; will focus on prevention and detection of breast cancer.

The program will focus on risk factors for breast cancer, nutrition and lifestyle choices that can reduce the risk of breast cancer, breast self-examination, mammogram and signs and symptoms of breast cancer and breast cancer treatments.

Participants may have a free clinical breast examination. Further, a limited number of free mammograms will be given to those people who are at high risk for breast cancer and have not had a mammogram due to their inability to pay.

Participants will also be asked to complete a survey about breast cancer. Nutritious smoothies will be served for lunch, and door prizes will be given away.

In addition to sponsoring Breast Health Day, Alcorn’s School of Nursing has invited local companies and individuals to help sponsor mammograms for women who cannot afford them.

The cost varies from $85 to $125, depending on the service provider. Natchez Regional Hospital’s cost is $100; Natchez Community Hospital’s cost is $125; and OB-GYN Clinic PA’s cost is $85.

Donations will be presented as a gift certificate to Breast Health Day participants who document financial need.

To donate to the program, send a check payable to one of the service providers and mail the check to Alcorn State University, School of Nursing, 15 Campus Drive, Natchez, Miss. 39120, Attn.: Delores Spinks, R.N.