Our Opinion: Winning the fight against breast cancer

Here in Jefferson City, we have breast cancer survivors all around us.

We see them at Relay for Life and other events dedicated to eliminating this wicked disease.

During October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to comfort those in your life who are dealing with the disease or have dealt with it previously. We also encourage you to support the cause so that a cure can be found.

Breast cancer strikes some men, but it mostly impacts women. Other than that, it doesn't discriminate: It attacks women of all ages, races and socio-economic levels.

According to the National Cancer Institute, 12.4 percent of women born in the United States today will develop breast cancer at some time during their lives.

The good news is modern medicine has helped victims to live longer lives. Much of that is through earlier detection. With earlier screening and diagnosis, we will continue to improve the outcomes for breast cancer patients.

We urge women to get the screenings as recommended by their doctors. 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.

This past weekend, the Capitol Dome again was lit pink in honor or Breast Cancer Month.

"Each year, and often far too soon, breast cancer takes the lives of many of our loved ones," Gov. Mike Parson said in a statement. "Lighting the Capitol Dome pink is one small way we can show our support to those in the fight against breast cancer, those we have lost, those who have beat the disease, and those who are working hard to find a cure."

One upcoming event that helps the cause is the Project: Pink Party! from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 24 at The Millbottom.

The ladies night out is a celebration of women that includes unlimited drinks and appetizers, shopping, mingling, dancing and more. Tickets are $25 online and $30 at the door. The event benefits the Community Breast Care Project.

News Tribune