Maine’s Pink and Pearl Awareness

Proclamation Declares Pink and Pearl Awareness Weeks last week in October and first week in November

Augusta, ME The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is partnering with health systems in Maine to encourage eligible adults to be screened for breast and lung cancer. Governor Mills and Secretary of State Bellows signed a Proclamation (see next) naming the last week in October and the first week in November, Pink and Pearl Awareness Weeks (pink being the color for breast cancer and pearl being the color for lung cancer). Several imaging centers in Maine plan to offer extended hours for breast and lung cancer screening during October and November. Some will be open for weekend appointments including many on National Lung Cancer Screening Day (Nov. 9, 2024).

The most current cancer data show female breast cancer with the highest incidence rate in the state with significantly higher rates than the U.S. (2021, 145.9 per 100,000, 133.8 per 100,000, respectively). Lung cancer is the second highest rate of cancer in Maine and is also significantly higher than the U.S. rate (2021, 62.7 per 100,000, 49.1 per 100,000, respectively). Female breast cancer was the 5th highest cause of cancer related death in 2021. Lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer death in the state for the past two decades and in 2021 remained significantly higher than the U.S. rate (38.1 per 100,000 and 31.7 per 100,000, respectively, 2024 Maine Cancer Snapshot). “Both breast and lung are two cancers that, when screened for on a regular basis, can be found early when the disease is easier to treat,” said Dr. Va, Director of Maine CDC. She encourages all adults to have a conversation with their provider about when to begin screening and how often to be screened. If you’re not sure where to begin the conversation with your provider, check out these questions from the American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening/questions-to-ask-your-doctor-about-cancer-screening.html

For information on recommended cancer screenings visit: www.screenmaine.or g. For financial assistance with breast cancer screening, contact the Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health Program https://www.maine. gov/dhhs/mecdc/po pulationhealth/bcp/contact. htm Read the full proclamation HERE.