Cancer in itself is still a dangerous and scary scourge on mankind.

It’s a cruel killer that can bring pain and misery before it saps the life out of helpless victims.

Adding to the cruelty is the fact these victims happen to be our friends and family.

There will be a concert on the square this afternoon to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month, causing us all to reflect on how we can help eliminate the scourge of the disease.

The Drive Time Band will headline the concert, thanks to the efforts of Mack McKibben, whose wife Deborah is a breast cancer survivor.

Although the concert is free, donations will be accepted for the Hope Boutique at Newton Medical Center, which is a resource for people who have cancer and survivors.

Also on display will be the Portraits of Hope which feature professional photos and stories of local survivors of this cruel disease.

The concert begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m.