Cancer can happen at any age; area events, movie can help

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We try not to think about it. But it creeps in: Cancer. Most of us know someone who has battled it and try to comfort ourselves. “It won’t happen to me,” we think. “We’re in our 20s and live pretty healthy lifestyles.” But, what if it does? Enter the new cancer-as-comedy movie “50/50″ about a 27-year-old guy who receives a scary diagnosis. The movie, which is out Friday, is filled with humor. That might seem crass, but who cares if it raises awareness about the disease? Even though we’re young, it’s important to educate ourselves about the signs and symptoms. Early detection is crucial.

The movie comes at the perfect time, since the 25th Anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicks off Saturday. Check out area events that will raise money and awareness to help beat the disease.

– Shades Hair and Spa in Red Lion is hosting a Pink Party 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday for women with breast cancer and survivors, who may choose one free service that day. Services include: facials, massages, manicures, pedicures and haircuts. There are 56 slots available. To register, call 244-6492. The salon also will give away prizes that were donated. All monetary donations and 10 percent of sales that day will go to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.

– Facing Cancer Together, a community collaboration of WITF, WellSpan Health, Lancaster General Health and PinnacleHealth, encourages women to get pap smears and pelvic examinations, mammograms and biopsies, clinical breast examinations, breast and cervical cancer education and follow-up medical care. Services are provided to uninsured, eligible women between the ages of 40 and 64. The program is offered through the state’s HealthyWoman Program. Local providers of the HealthyWoman Program include: York Community Health Center – Wellspan, 605 South George Street, Suite 20, York.

– Pink Night Out is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Apple Hill Medical Center, 25 Monument Road, York Township. The focus will be on breast health and healthy lifestyle choices. Dr. Joanne Trapeni will discuss current breast health trends, and Sandy Tompkins, RN, will discuss healthy weight management. Wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness. To register for this free program, call 851-3500. Seating is limited.

– Facing Cancer Together will host a breast cancer awareness community forum 8 to 9 p.m. Oct. 6 at WITF’s Public Media Center, 4801 Lindle Road, Harrisburg. The forum is free and open to the public. Oncologists and breast cancer surgeons from around the region will share information about breast cancer risks, treatments and recovery.

– The Whiskerinas (Beard Team USA’s Ladies Auxiliary) will host the first National Ladies Fake Beard and Mustache Competition Oct. 7 at the Chameleon Club, 223 N. Water St., Lancaster. Doors open to the event at 8 p.m. There will be five competitive categories: Most Realistic Beard, Most Realistic Moustache, Most Creative Beard, Most Creative Moustache and Everything Pink. The event will also include a runway, raffles and music. All profits will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

– Girls Go Pink 5 to 8 p.m. October 13 at the WellSpan Adams Health Center, 40 V-Twin Drive, Gettysburg. Girls sixth grade and older are invited to learn about blood pressure and the effects of smoking, tour of the mammography department and cancer center, practice stress management and learn about healthy relationships and nutrition. To register for this free program, call (800) 840-5905.

– Oct. 21 is National Mammography Day

– The Women’s Breast Care Conference and Luncheon will be 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George St., York. Admission is free, but registration is required by Oct. 14. To register, call 851-3500 or (800) 840-5905.

– It will be a night filled with the flavors of France in the ambiance of Moulin Rouge. Be delighted with the pairing of French cuisine and wines selected by Bill Kohl, President and CEO of the Harrisburg Hilton Hotel. The evening will also boast our signature live and silent auction; on Saturday, November 5, 2011, 6 p.m. at the Country Club of York.

– The American Cancer Society hosts its 7th Annual Benefit of Hope with a “French Toast” themed night Nov. 5 at the County Club of York, 441 Country Club Road, York. For details and ticket information, contact the American Cancer Society York office at 846-2561. Seating is limited.

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