ATHENS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of amateur runners of all ages took part on Sunday in the 11th annual "Greece Race for the Cure Against Breast Cancer" races to raise awareness about the disease and send a strong message of optimism that it can be beaten.

About 6,000 new cases are diagnosed in Greece each year, according to official statistics. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in women in the country.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.6 million women a year are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women worldwide will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in life.

Survivors, patients, doctors who treat them, relatives, friends, Athenians, and foreign visitors joined the event on Sunday to remind women not to miss their regular checkups, as prevention and early detection is vital, and not lose hope when dealing with the illness.

They participated in a 10km course, a 5km race and a 2km walk across the city center.