Safeway stores will kick off its region-wide effort to honor breast-cancer survivors in Renton on Saturday.

During October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Safeway will raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and treatment at its stores in Washington, Montana, Idaho and Alaska.

A press conference for Breast Cancer Survivor Day is at 10 a.m. at the Renton Safeway Store in the Highlands at 4300 N.E. Fourth St. Guest speakers include Trish May, founder of Athena Partners and a breast cancer survivor; Dr. Connie Lehman, director of Breast Imaging at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and best-selling author, Kristin Hannah.

Safeway will honor survivors of breast cancer with activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

“Breast Cancer Survivor Day is our opportunity to celebrate all survivors, whether it is employees, customers, family or friends,” said Cherié Myers, director of Public and Government Affairs for the Seattle Division of Safeway Inc. “Every store has a network of women who are heroes for overcoming breast cancer.”

Dr. Jennifer Spect, a researcher specializing in inflammatory breast cancer, will appear at the campaign kick-off event to raise awareness of inflammatory breast cancer.

Safeway has raised nearly $60 million – including more than $18 million in 2008 alone – for medical research to improve detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Safeway also offers MammoVans that provide access to early detection for low-income women and those in remote areas where women may not have immediate access to screenings.