Early Detection is The Best Protection!

NASHVILLE - This October and November, the Tennessee Department of Health is promoting breast and lung cancer awareness with the annual Pink & Pearl Campaign.

The campaign combines the pink ribbon, a recognized symbol for breast cancer awareness, with the pearl ribbon representing lung cancer awareness. While breast cancer is the most common new cancer in female Tennesseans, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death.

Routine cancer screenings continue to be incredibly important. Healthcare providers encourage all eligible individuals to attend routine check-ups, including regular cancer screenings. Screening increases the chance of early detection when more treatment options are available, which may increase one's chance of survival.

“The Pink & Pearl Campaign allows us to highlight Tennessee’s leading cause of cancer and the most common cause of cancer deaths. Across the state, we can decrease risk factors, like tobacco use, and make early interventions more accessible.” Tennessee Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP, said. “When we raise awareness and decrease barriers to care, we can mitigate the rising number of breast and lung cancer deaths in our state, and ultimately, save more lives.”

Breast Screening Recommendations
The current United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines recommend that women begin regular mammogram screenings at the age of 40. Depending on risk factors, some women need to start screening at an earlier age. Talk to your healthcare provider today. Click for more information about breast cancer screenings.

You may qualify for free breast cancer screenings through the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBSCP). TBCSP provides breast and cervical screening services to uninsured and underinsured women and diagnostic testing for qualifying men and women. Individuals requiring treatment for breast or cervical cancer or precancerous conditions of these diseases may qualify for immediate TennCare coverage through the Presumptive Eligibility Program. Click for more information about TBSCP or contact your local health department.

Lung Screening Recommendations
The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer in adults ages 50 to 80 with a 20 pack- year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors and determine if screening is right for you. Click for basic information about lung cancer.

Reducing Disparities
While breast and lung cancer impact individuals of all races and ethnicities, they are among many diseases that disproportionately affect minority populations. For both types of cancer, Black men and women are more likely than their white counterparts to be diagnosed in later stages, and blacks are also more likely to die from these diseases. Data also indicates that black women and men are diagnosed with more aggressive subtypes of these cancers than their white counterparts.

Pink and Pearl Day
On Fri., Nov. 1, 2024, Pink & Pearl Day, Tennesseans can support the campaign by wearing pink and pearls and sharing pictures on social media using the campaign hashtags #TNPinkandPearl and #MyPinkandPearlWhy.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health, tn.gov/health, is to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.