When Peters resident Jennifer Kehm was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36, she didn't know where to turn for information. Seeking support groups was also frustrating because many women diagnosed with the disease were much older.

Ms. Kehm called the American Cancer Society and was referred to the Reach to Recovery Program. For more than 30 years, this program has been helping both women and men cope with their breast cancer diagnosis. The program matches up a trained volunteer, a breast cancer survivor, with a newly diagnosed patient.

"Talking to a live person is a comfort for many,'' Ms. Kehm said.

The Cancer Society's guidelines say women with no family history should begin getting a mammogram at age 40, so the thought of breast cancer never entered Ms. Kehm's mind before a routine doctor's visit showed she had two lumps.

At the time of her diagnosis, her youngest child was only 15 months. While other women were concerned about not being there for grandchildren, "I just wanted to see my kid go to kindergarten," she said.

Eight years after her diagnosis, Ms. Kehm has begun her own program to give back, the Young Women's Breast Cancer Foundation.

"I try to educate. The benefit to Reach, particularly in my age group, is that we can help people find people with similar diagnoses," she said.

Early detection is the key. If caught early, the survival rate is 98 percent. If diagnosed late, that rate drops to 27 percent. Luckily for Ms. Kehm, her doctor was diligent in following up and getting her the treatment she needed.

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is facing a diagnosis of breast cancer, call 1-800-ACS-2345.

Oh dear! No buck for your bang

Deer migrating and mating season has started, [it runs through December] and you gotta be careful out there. The Better Business Bureau and Insurance Information Institute recommends that drivers read their insurance policy closely.

"Drivers too often wait until they make a claim and don't remember what their policy will cover," said Steve Cox, of the Council of Better Business Bureau, in Arlington, Va.

Remember that only comprehensive coverage reimburses drivers for loss due to contact with animals such as birds or deer. This fact often causes confusion among drivers who are not aware that collision coverage will not cover an auto-deer collision.

In addition, most auto insurance policies do not automatically cover the cost of a replacement rental car after an accident.

Although many states do not require that you buy comprehensive coverage, your lender may require it until your car loan is paid. Comprehensive insurance is usually sold with a $100 to $300 deductible.

The best advice is to be prepared. Here are some tips:

Report damage as soon as possible; know your deductible; ask about warranties on repairs; do business only with a reputable company.

For more, visit www.wisedrivers.com.