Niles area residents will have an opportunity to raise money for cancer research and show support for cancer survivors and their families during this weekend’s Niles-Buchanan Relay for Life.

The annual event is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, July 16, at the Niles High School football stadium.

“Relay is for all the survivors, the caregivers and anyone who has been affected by cancer,” said Cody Waters, of the American Cancer Society, which hosts numerous relay events across the country. “We are looking to raise awareness for cancer and cancer research and to decrease the amount of people who are diagnosed and die from cancer around the world.”

One in every two males and one in every three females will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. The most common cancer in men is prostate cancer (1 in 7 chance), while the most common cancer in women is breast cancer (1 in 8).

The money raised at relay goes toward cancer research and programs that support cancer survivors and their caregivers.

More than 4 million people in over 20 countries take part in relay events each year.

Locally, the Niles-Buchanan Relay for Life raised $58,000 at last year’s event, which was shortened due to inclement weather.

Waters said 35 teams, which includes approximately 160 people, have signed up to participate in Saturday’s relay. He expects an additional 200 people will visit on the day of the event to walk around the track and enjoy the many family-friendly activities planned throughout the day.

The celebration begins with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by an emotional first lap around the track by participants.

Other highlights include the survivors lap, caregivers lap and the candlelight luminaria ceremony, where participants light candles in memory of those who have been lost to cancer.

For more information, or to donate, visit the American Cancer Society’s website and search for the Niles-Buchanan Relay. Nearly $30,000 had been raised as of Monday afternoon.