MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — As cancer continues to impact thousands of families across Tennessee each year, local advocates in Rutherford County are working to raise awareness, support research, and strengthen community involvement through the upcoming Relay For Life event.
Volunteers with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Murfreesboro are organizing and preparing for its upcoming walk entitled, “Decades of Hope,” scheduled for June 12, 2026, at Oaklands Mansion. The annual event brings residents together to celebrate progress in cancer research, honor survivors, remember loved ones lost, and unite in the ongoing fight against cancer.
Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s flagship fundraising event, supporting critical cancer research, patient services, education, and advocacy efforts nationwide. The “Decades of Hope” theme highlights the significant advancements made over time while emphasizing the continued need for action and investment toward a future without cancer.
Cancer data shows the importance of these efforts, particularly in Tennessee. According to available statistics from the National Cancer Institute and the CDC, Tennessee has an overall cancer diagnosis rate of 457.3, more than 12 points higher than the national average of 444.4. While some cancer types show encouraging trends, others remain a serious concern.
For women in Tennessee, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. Studies show breast cancer rates have experienced a slight decline since 2008, though overall case numbers remain concerning. Among men, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed, with rates steadily declining since 2008 as treatment options have improved significantly over the past 10 to 15 years.
When looking at both men and women, lung cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis in Tennessee, with a rate of 66.9 compared to the national average of 52.8. The state ranks 45th nationally for lung cancer diagnoses, placing it among the states with the highest rates. However, there is positive news: since 2020, new lung cancer cases in Tennessee have decreased by approximately 14 percent, according to the American Lung Association.
Colon cancer is the second most common diagnosis statewide, with a rate of 38.7, followed by melanoma of the skin at 20.4. Kidney cancer ranks fourth with a diagnosis rate of 20, while bladder cancer rounds out the top five at 19.1.
In contrast, Tennessee reports lower-than-average cancer rates among children and young adults. Childhood cancer diagnoses for children under age 15 are 0.6 points lower than the national average, and overall cancer rates for individuals age 20 and younger stand at 17.5, compared to the national average of 18.4.
This year’s Relay For Life of Murfreesboro is being led by Denise Bond, a longtime community advocate who is organizing the event while courageously fighting her own battle with cancer. Organizers say her leadership serves as a powerful reminder of the personal impact behind the statistics and the importance of continued community support.
Community members and organizations are encouraged to get involved by forming relay teams, becoming vendors or sponsors, making donations, or volunteering. Organizers emphasize that no contribution is too small, as every dollar raised helps fund lifesaving research and essential patient support programs.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Murfreesboro is seeking vendors, relay teams, sponsors, and volunteers for its “Decades of Hope” themed community event, scheduled for June 12, 2026, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Oaklands Mansion. Because space is limited, early registration for participants and vendors is encouraged.
For event details, vendor registration, donations, sponsorship information or to get involved:
- Website: RelayForLife.org/MurfreesboroTN
- Contact: Denise Bond (dbond1109@gmail.com)
