Pink and Pearl Campaign
About
The Tennessee Pink & Pearl Campaign aims to bring awareness to both breast cancer (represented by the pink ribbon) and lung cancer (represented by the pearl ribbon) by combining efforts to encourage patients to get their recommended cancer screenings.
The campaign was established in 2019 by Tennessee’s Breast & Cervical Screening Program, Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, Cancer Registry, and Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program. The idea for the campaign began when members of the Tennessee Department of Health attended the Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Rural Health Consortium, where Dr. Kim Sandler presented a study she authored, “Women Screened for Breast Cancer are Dying From Lung Cancer: An Opportunity to Improve LCS in a Mammography Population.” Now in its fifth year of implementation, the campaign offers a wide variety of resources and outreach programs.
Key Facts
In Tennessee:
- Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer
- Breast cancer is the 2nd most commonly diagnosed cancer
Why is Screening Important?
Screening can detect cancer early before symptoms appear. An early diagnosis may mean the cancer is easier to treat or that more treatment options may be available.
Risk Factors for Breast & Lung Cancers
Risk factors are things that may increase your chance of getting or developing a certain disease, such as cancer. There are non-modifiable risk factors, which are things you cannot change, and modifiable risk factors, which are things you can change.
Non-modifiable risk factors may include:
- Getting older
- Having a personal or family history of cancer
- Having certain health conditions or genetic mutations
- Being impacted by social determinants of health
Modifiable risk factors may include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products, such as vapes
- Drinking alcohol
- Not being physically active
Additional risk factors for breast cancer include:
- Starting puberty early
- Having your first pregnancy after age 30
Additional risk factors for lung cancer include:
- Exposure to radon
- Exposure to workplace hazards such as asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, and forms of silica and chromium
Who Should Get Screened?
The US Preventative Services Task Force has recommendations for breast and lung cancer screening.
Breast Cancer Screening:
- Mammogram every two years for women aged 40-74 who are at average risk for breast cancer (certain factors may make an individual at higher risk).
Lung Cancer Screening:
- Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals aged 50-80 who:
- Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and
- Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors, including family history, to determine the screening that is right for you.
Pink & Pearl Day
Pink and Pearl Day is the first Friday of November. On this day, we invite you to wear your pink and pearls to bring awareness to this campaign. Please take pictures in your communities, businesses, and offices, with your family, friends, and anyone who wants to help promote this campaign. Be sure to use the hashtags #TNPink&Pearl #MyPinkAndPearlWhy #TNPink&PearlDay so we can see the creative ways you are bringing awareness to the Tennessee Pink & Pearl Campaign!
How Do I Get Screened?
Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks and how to get screened. Don’t have a healthcare provider and/or still need more info?
Check out these resources:
- If you have insurance, contact your insurance company for a provider referral.
- If you do not have insurance, contact your local health department or community health clinic to schedule an annual well-visit.
- Contact the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program at 1-877-969-6636 to see if you qualify for free breast screenings.
- Follow @TNDeptofHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and other social media platforms for updates regarding low-cost screening events in your area.