Jefferson City - Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine pink on Friday, October 25, 2024, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  

The dome will light up pink at sunset tomorrow and remain lit until sunrise. The color pink commemorates those lost to breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, those battling the disease, and medical professionals and researchers.

"Far too many Missourians have had to face a breast cancer diagnosis for either themselves or one of their loved ones," Governor Parson said. "We stand with those who have been affected by breast cancer by lighting the Missouri Capitol pink as we continue working to find a cure."

Approximately one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.

In Missouri, breast cancer has the fourth highest incidence and mortality rate among cancers. Women in Missouri get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer.

It is recommended that women who are aged 40 to 74 and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every 2 years. Different screening recommendations may be used for women at higher than average risk. All women are highly encouraged to discuss individual screening recommendations with their health care provider.

At this time, there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer for women who are at average risk. This is why screening by mammography, clinic breast examination, and breast self-examination are so important.

In Missouri, the Show Me Healthy Women program offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for Missouri women who meet age, income, and insurance guidelines. To learn more or to find a Show Me Healthy Women provider, visit Health.Mo.Gov/SMHW.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month each year to increase awareness of the disease and promote early detection through breast cancer screening.