When Watertown City Clerk Donna M. Dutton was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly five years ago, she didn't want to know the "stage" of her cancer (stage is a numerical system that identifies the size of a tumor and if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes).

"I was in only one stage," said Mrs. Dutton. "The survival stage."

She was diagnosed in 2002, the day after Christmas. Several weeks later, she underwent a modified radical mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

"So much can be done if it's detected early," said Mrs. Dutton. "They're discovering so many new things in the fight against cancer."

The American Cancer Society supports many breast cancer research projects nationwide. The organization also works to increase awareness about the importance of early detection with annual mammograms and monthly breast self-examinations.

For the first time, the organization will hold one of its signature Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks in Watertown. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 27, at Thompson Park. Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 10.

"A lot of people have been traveling to Syracuse to participate in that walk," said Mrs. Dutton, an American Cancer Society volunteer. "Now we're starting one here."

Making Strides was started in 1993 to raise money for breast cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services, said Amy E. Norpell, director of communications for the Syracuse chapter. The chapter covers several counties, including Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence.

The organization has awarded more than $323 million for breast cancer research projects since 1972.

One of the projects is being conducted by Deborah Erwin, director of health disparities for the Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences at Roswell Park Institute, Buffalo.

She was awarded a research grant from the Cancer Society to determine the best approach to improving access to breast and cervical cancer screening for minority and medically underserved populations.

The American Cancer Society has also dedicated itself to educating women on a variety of issues concerning breast cancer, including how to get help, if needed, to pay for mammograms.

"Many women are not aware that there is financial help if they don't have insurance," Ms. Norpell said. "Every county in New York has a program to help women pay for screenings."

North country women needing financial assistance should contact the Wellness Connection at 376-5454 or 1 (877) 449-6626.

The American Cancer Society also offers several patient support services, including a Reach to Recovery program that matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors who can offer comfort and support.

Mrs. Dutton is one of those volunteers.

"We talk to newly diagnosed patients and it's great therapy for them," she said. "It gives them the opportunity to talk to someone who can relate to what they're going through."

"It's also good therapy for me," Mrs. Dutton said.

The American Cancer Society's information about the different types of breast cancer and the newest research on treatments is invaluable, she said.

"Getting the correct information is half the battle," Mrs. Dutton said. "There's a lot of misinformation out there, and you have to be so careful about what you read on the Internet."

More than 125 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks are held nationwide during September and October, said Ms. Norpell. An estimated 400,000 people are expected to participate.

"Breast cancer touches so many people's lives," she said. "People want to know how to help in the fight against breast cancer. This walk is one way."

For more information about Making Strides or services available for breast cancer patients, contact the American Cancer Society at 1 (800) 227-2345 or check the Web site www.cancer.org.

There is also a Bosom Buddies support group in Watertown for women with breast cancer that meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month at Stone Presbyterian Church, 140 Chestnut St. For more information, contact Hope Johnston at 788-8194.

Several events are being held this month to mark National Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

Samaritan Medical Center will be holding its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Dinner on Oct. 25 at The Commons, Fort Drum. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30. The cost is $10, and tickets can be ordered by calling 785-4584.

Curves of Watertown and Lowville is offering several deals during October to support the American Cancer Society. New members who join by Oct. 20 can pay just a $25 service fee when they bring a minimum $25 donation to the American Cancer Society or show proof of a current mammogram. The company will also donate 10 percent of the wholesale cost of all its "diane" fragrance products purchased in October to the American Cancer Society.

River Hospital in Alexandria Bay will sponsor two free breast cancer screening clinics for uninsured women ages 35 years and older. The clinics will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and will include a clinical breast exam, mammogram and patient education. This is by appointment only. Contact the River Hospital Community Clinic for more information at 482-2094.