PA Commission for Women Turns State Capitol Fountain Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Commission for Women today turned the state Capitol's Veterans War Memorial Fountain hot pink to highlight October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"This pink fountain is truly a spectacle, but our goal is a serious one: by raising awareness of breast cancer, we can save lives," said Leslie Stiles, executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. "We hope that the pink fountain will serve as a reminder for women to do monthly breast self exams and schedule a yearly mammogram. For those women and families affected by the disease, we hope the fountain reminds them that they are not alone."  

The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition estimates that 9,500 Pennsylvania women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and nearly 2,200 lose their lives to the disease. Additionally, more than 100,000 women in Pennsylvania are currently living with breast cancer.  

Tips on how to reduce the risk of breast cancer include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, knowing family history of breast cancer, understanding the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy, limiting alcohol intake, and getting regular breast cancer screenings, whether through monthly self-examinations or an annual mammogram.  

Signs that a woman – or a man – may have breast cancer include a new lump, swelling, pain, irritation of the breast skin or nipple area, change in size or shape, or a nipple discharge other than milk.

The Pennsylvania Commission for Women's mission is to identify and advance the diverse needs and interests of the state's women and girls; to inform, educate and advocate for its constituents; and to provide opportunities to empower women and girls to reach their highest potential.

Media contact: Anne Bale, 717-783-2666 or 717-829-4726 (cell)

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor