Pink and Pearl Day

Even Location: All day

Most are familiar with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the symbolic pink ribbon. But did you know that November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which is represented with a white ribbon (or pearls)?

This year marks the first Pink and Pearl campaign in West Virginia promoting breast and lung cancer awareness – together. The campaign, which kicked off in October and runs through November, is being sponsored by the WVU Cancer Institute and the West Virginia Mountains of Hope State Cancer Coalition. It’s an important campaign with a life-saving message: Early detection saves lives!

While breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in West Virginia women and the second-leading cause of death, lung cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the state and the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women.

Each year in West Virginia:

• Approximately 1,470 women are diagnosed and 288 women die of breast cancer. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat, lowering the risk of death.
• Approximately 2,047 West Virginians are diagnosed with lung cancer, and approximately 1,460 will die from the disease. Only 22 percent of people are diagnosed at an early stage when the cancer is easier to treat and cure, indicating a need for increased awareness around lung cancer screening.

Education is key to addressing these statistics:

• Mammogram screening guidelines are based on individual risk and family history. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine if you should start screening at age 40 and whether you screen every year or every other year.
• Adults ages 50-80 should get a low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening if they (1) currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years and (2) have at least a 20 pack/year smoking history.

Friday (Nov. 4) is Pink and Pearl Day, and we invite you to commemorate the occasion by wearing pink and pearls, and posting pictures of yourself on social media using the hashtags #WVPinkandPearl and #WVPinkandPearlMyWhy.

Help raise awareness of the importance of early screening for breast and lung cancer. Knowledge is power!