Breast Cancer :: PA Commission for Women Turns Point State Park Fountain Pink, Pennsylvania

The PA Commission for Women turned the Point State Park Fountain bright pink, in observance of national Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The signature color of the national call for a cure reminds people of the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer – one of the many women’s-health issues the commission helps raise awareness about.

“The color, majesty and beauty of this fountain should remind all of us of the strong women who fight this disease every day, and the work that still needs to be done to help those who need it,” said Leslie Stiles, a breast-cancer survivor and the commission’s executive director. “Raising awareness about breast cancer is a critical step in saving lives.”

While breast cancer mortality rates have declined and treatment has become more sophisticated, funding for research and education is still needed.

Women, especially the uninsured and underinsured, need access to information on advanced diagnostic practices and treatment. It is also important to remember that breast cancer patients not only need treatment, but also outreach and emotional support.

“Most people know someone who has been affected by this disease,” said Stiles, who is also an honorary chair of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. “The better we are able to communicate and educate, the greater the likelihood that more women will get a mammogram and more women will tell a friend to do the same.”

In Pennsylvania alone, one-in-seven women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at some point in her life. This disease continues to be one of the most common types of cancer among Pennsylvania women.


Leave a Comment