"Pink Party" Launches Focus on Breast Cancer Awareness

The stark statistics underscore the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Connecticut, which kicks off with a “Pink Party” in the thriving Blue Back Square in West Hartford on Thursday, October 4 from 5:30 to 7:30.  The festivities – including food, music, dancing and fashion - have a serious backdrop encouraging financial support for education, prevention and treatment:

• About 3,140 Connecticut women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
• About 20% of breast cancers nationwide occur among women younger than age 50.
• Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among U.S. women.
• One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer curing their lifetime.
• Most women with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.

Numerous hospitals, radiology facilities and clinics - as well as some retail outlets - throughout Connecticut have special programs throughout the month, aimed at ensuring that women take preventative steps such as screenings and mammograms.  The Pink Party supports  Komen Connecticut, which provides about $1 million in grants annually to support the work of health care organizations statewide.  The American Cancer Society is sponsoring additional awareness events, many with the support of local media and businesses.