According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer affected approximately 230,480 new women in 2011. If breast cancer is caught early the five-year survival rate is about 96 percent, which is why screening and annual mammograms are so important to a woman’s health.

The mission of Women’s Night Out is to celebrate the more than two million survivors in the United States who have survived breast cancer due to improved treatments, preventive measures, and increased mammography screening rates. These celebrations will end a month-long initiative to raise awareness for breast cancer and early detection by promoting yearly mammograms.

During the week of October 22, Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, and Kendall Regional Medical Center will host their own Women’s Night Out, annual community events for women to celebrate life and raise awareness for breast cancer. Each event will feature a wide range of relaxing activities, from massages and make-up tips to bra fittings and live music. At the event, each of the three Miami-Dade hospitals will honor breast cancer survivors of South Florida in a touching ceremony.

Previous Women’s Night Out events have featured more than three hundred community members and elected officials in attendance, including State Senator René Garcia.

"I am so lucky to be alive," said Maritza Lewin, past recipient of the Amazing Grace Award at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, "It is so important to stay positive and appreciate what you have, and I am so thankful to my extended family at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center for supporting me through my treatments and my recovery."

For more information on the statistics and health guidelines provided by the American Cancer Society, we invite you to visit their "Fact and Figures 2011-2012 Report".