Tennessee Department of Health launches second annual Pink and Pearl Campaign this October, November
October 3, 2021
Nashville, TN – While most recognize the color pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this October and November marks the second annual Tennessee Pink and Pearl Campaign promoting both breast and lung cancer awareness.
The addition of the pearl color represents the ribbon for lung cancer awareness, which is observed in November. While breast cancer is the most common cancer in female Tennesseans, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women.
Routine cancer screenings continue to be incredibly important. It is estimated that nationally over 3.9 million breast cancer screenings have been missed due to the pandemic. Providers encourage all eligible individuals to attend routine check-ups, including routine cancer screenings. With fewer screenings, there are fewer diagnoses of breast cancer, which may result in some cancers being diagnosed at later stages with poor prognoses.
“Routine health screenings are an important part in a person’s health care journey,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “With proper screening and interventions, we can save more lives and curb the rising number of breast and lung cancer deaths in our state. The Tennessee Pink and Pearl Campaign raises awareness of these treatable conditions and reminds us that we all have a role to play – whether it is our own screening or encouraging that of a friend or family member.”
If your financial situation has changed due to COVID-19, 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. Learn more about the program at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/rwh/tbcsp.html or contact your local health department for more information.
Breast Screening Recommendations (Optional)
The current United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines recommend women begin regular mammogram screenings at the age of 50. Depending on risk factors, some women may need to begin screening at an earlier age.
Lung Screening Recommendations (Optional)
The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer in adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.
Reducing Disparities
While both 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.
“In both breast and lung cancer, screening often is imperative to an early diagnosis and optimizing the chance of a better prognosis,” said Director of the Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination Monique Anthony, MPH, CHES. “As COVID-19 continues to amplify these inequities on vulnerable populations, including lack of quality care, the availability and cost of diagnostics and follow up care, bias, unfair policies and practices in health care. TDH is committed to reducing disparities and advancing health equity by increasing access to cancer screenings, conducting cancer prevention education and outreach strategies, and encouraging the inclusion of minorities
in clinical trials.”
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It is important to talk to your provider about your risk factors and determine if screening is right for you. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm for breast cancer and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/ for lung cancer.
Pink and Pearl Day
To recognize this campaign, Friday, November 5th will be Pink and Pearl Day. Please support this campaign and bring awareness to both breast and lung cancer by wearing pink and pearl. Pictures posted to social media are appreciated, using the campaign hashtags #TNPinkandPearl and #MyPinkandPearlWhy.
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Offers Free Radon Test Kits as Part of ‘Radon Action Month’
January 4, 2020
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is offering free radon test kits for Tennesseans to test their homes in January. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed the month as “Radon Action Month.”
How Radon gas enters your home
Tennessee Department of Health encourages Women to make their own Health a Priority
May 11, 2013
National Women’s Health Week is May 12th-18th, 2013
Nashville, TN – It’s your time, ladies! The Tennessee Department of Health joins celebrations of National Women’s Health Week, which kicks off on Mother’s Day, May 12th.
This nationwide initiative calls attention to the importance of women’s health and empowers them to take small, manageable steps for longer, healthier, happier lives. [Read more]
Consumer Reports Investigation finds varying levels of Arsenic in Rice and Rice Products
September 20, 2012
Concerning levels of known human carcinogen found in tests of more than 200 samples
Yonkers, NY – In Consumer Reports’ tests of more than 60 rice and rice products, inorganic arsenic, a known human carcinogen, was found in most of the name brand and other rice product samples. Levels varied, but were significant in some samples.
While there are federal limits for arsenic in drinking water, there aren’t many standards for arsenic in food. Earlier this year, Consumer Reports found worrisome levels of arsenic in apple and grape juices and called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to set limits for arsenic in those juices.
Consumer Report analysis found varying levels of arsenic in more than 60 rices and rice products.
Resolve to Quit Smoking for Better Health
January 8, 2012
Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine Offers FREE Support to Residents Who Want to Quit
Nashville, TN – Start the new year by making healthy lifestyle changes such as eating better, getting more physical activity and quitting smoking. While quitting can be difficult, it can be done, especially with the help of professional support. Tennesseans have a greater chance of quitting for good and keeping their New Year’s resolution with help from the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, a free coaching service available to all adult Tennesseans who wish to stop using tobacco.
“Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and the health of your family, and we’re eager to support any Tennessean who wants to take up this challenge,” Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, said. “Research shows smokers who use counseling as part of their quit program have a better chance of quitting. We encourage all Tennesseans ready to start a tobacco-free life to take full advantage of the free resources the QuitLine provides.” [Read more]
Menthol Cigarettes Not Less Harmful, say Experts
November 30, 2011
Written by the National Cancer Institute
Bethesda, MD – Smoking causes more preventable deaths (from lung cancer, heart and lung disease, other cancers, and chronic illness) than any other single behavioral factor–an estimated 443,000 deaths each year. It is projected that more than 23,000 African-Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011, with most of these cases caused by smoking.
Lung cancer can be treated, but rarely cured. For African-Americans with lung cancer, the five-year survival rate is only 13 percent. Indeed, lung cancer kills more African Americans than any other cancer. [Read more]
