This year, it is estimated that 294,120 men will die from cancer as will 271,530 women.

According to the American Cancer Society, the disease killed 559,312 people in 2005, making it the second leading cause of death in America, right behind heart disease.

Cancer in its various forms does not discriminate: The disease can afflict men, women, teens and children not even old enough to go to school.

Our chances of developing cancer in some form over the course of our lifetime? It’s 1 in 2 for men and 1 in 3 for women, the American Cancer Society tells us.

But science has made progress — lots of progress — over the years and a diagnosis is no longer a death sentence.

That’s thanks to the efforts of not only the Society and research efforts, but the volunteers and donors who make both possible.

The Cape Coral Relay For Life, a major fund raiser on the local level, stepped off Friday night at Mariner High School.

Once again teams are walking around the school track to raise awareness and money that will be used for educational programs, research and services to patients fighting the disease.

The fund-raising theme this year is “Movie Magic” with the “tagline” being a takeoff on Disney, the old dream maker himself — “making the cure come true.”

Various activities will continue through noon today and Relay organizers invite the community to come out, participate — and, hopefully, make a donation.

We wish them a record turnout and urge those who can, attend and donate to the cause.

It’s a good one related to an issue that continues to touch far too many lives.



— Breeze editorial