The CIBC Run For The Cure is set to go today in Montreal, and in cities across Canada.

The annual event, the largest single-day fundraiser in the country, raises millions of dollars for breast cancer research, and awareness of the illness.

Francine Cleroux, the CEO of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, says the Montreal event is expected to raise close to $2.5 million, not just for breast cancer research, but for awareness campaigns, and support for families of those dealing with breast cancer.

"We promote breast health through education and awareness campaigns, and we also support the people touched by breast cancer by different services that we offer," Cleroux says.

She says events like this are proven to make a huge difference.

"The mortality rate has decreased over 40 per cent since 1986," she says, "and it's mainly due to the progress in research and early detection."

She points out, too, that even with the advances in research and education, breast cancer will affect 1 in 9 Canadian women.

Thousands are expected to turn up at Maiasonneuve Park to walk or run the 5k and 1k courses in the unofficial kickoff to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

For more information, visit the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation's web site here.