The women of the Black Belt were treated to a rousing rally to raise awareness of breast cancer, when the Deep South Network for Cancer Control held its second annual Breast Cancer Kickoff rally.

Groups including Medicare, REACH 2010 and others gathered at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center to honor the survivors of breast cancer and to spread the word about treatment and diagnoses.

“The month of October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” DSNCC Planning Committee Chairman Mildred Jackson said.

Attendants heard speakers throughout the day and were also treated to the talents of Ms. Levanna Carter-Rudolph a gospel singer at the Little Zion AME church of Furman, and manager of the Golden Bells.

Carter-Rudolph soon had the full house on its feet, celebrating at the rally.

Later the group heard and oratorical contest and saw a cancer awareness skit.

Jackson said the event was all about saving lives.

“Our goal is to eliminate the disparity in cancer death rates between blacks and whites,” she said. “Blacks get cancer less than whites, but they die at a greater rate.”

Jackson said the difference in death rates comes from lower education rates among blacks, fear and the financial struggles of medical bills.

“We’re trying to raise awareness,” she said.

The DSNCC is an outbranch of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and is funded by the National Cancer Institute to perform community outreach projects like this one.

For more information on breast cancer treatment and prevention, call Claudia Hardy at 205-975-5454 or Jackson at 205-459-3696.

Medicare also provides information. Call 1-800-MEDICARE.