Downtown Bozeman will turn PNK for the entire month of October with pink banners lining Main Street and window decorations at many of downtown’s retailers and restaurants.
PNKBZN, a community-wide awareness campaign for the month of October, is the result of collaboration and ideas from local Bozeman organizations: Advanced Medical Imaging, Bozeman Health, Cancer Support Community, Downtown Bozeman Partnership, Montana State University, and Montana State University Athletics, with graphic design support from PRIME Incorporated.
PNKBZN seeks to:
– Enhance local mindfulness and adherence of following screening guidelines for breast care
– Spread awareness on how to access screenings and diagnostic screenings and other resources
– Increase the community conversation around cancer awareness
– Provide inspirational stories of people in our community who are living with breast cancer
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 950 women in the state of Montana will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. As of 2018 in the greater Gallatin Valley, approximately one fourth of breast cancers were diagnosed in women under the age of 50. And, while not as common, approximately 2,650 men a year throughout the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer.
October was designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985 to raise awareness and gain funding for research for a cure, while elevating education around the importance of annual/early screening.
Community resources and program information is located at PinkBozeman.com, hosted by PNKBZN community partners, with inclusions from other community partners. All are encouraged all to visit the website and take part all month long. •
