The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 890 women in the state of Montana will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. Last year in the greater Gallatin Valley, one fourth of those diagnosed were women under the age of 50. And while not as common, men are also diagnosed with breast cancer, at approximately 2,600 per year throughout the United States.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, founded in 1985 to raise national awareness and gain funding for research for a cure, while elevating education around the importance of annual and early screening. To aid these efforts locally, a collective of community organizations have come together to launch PNKBZN.
The month-long campaign seeks to enhance awareness of following important screening guidelines for breast care, provide information about how to access diagnostic screenings and other resources, increase the community conversation around cancer awareness, and share inspirational stories of area men and women living with breast cancer.
Downtown Bozeman will turn pink for the entire month of October with pink street banners lining Main Street, window decorations featuring cancer survivor stories, breast cancer facts, and ‘Pack the Place in Pink’ MSU Athletics information. A calendar of associated events, community resources and programs can be found by visiting www.PinkBozeman.com or www.DowntownBozeman.org
PNKBZN is the brainchild of representatives from Bozeman Health, Advanced Medical Imaging, Cancer Support Community, Montana State University, Montana State University Athletics and the Downtown Bozeman Partnership, with additional support from PRIME Incorporated. •