Missouri – Missouri’s Capitol dome will take on a different look Thursday night, trading its familiar nighttime appearance for pink as the state opens Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a highly visible message.
The color will last only through the night, but the numbers behind it are much harder to overlook. About 6,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Missouri, and approximately 800 women in the state die from the disease annually, according to figures cited by Gov. Mike Kehoe’s office.
Kehoe ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome in Jefferson City to be illuminated pink beginning at sunset Thursday, Oct. 1. The lighting will continue until sunrise Friday, Oct. 2, marking the beginning of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Missouri.
“By lighting the Capitol dome pink, the State of Missouri is affirming our support for every breast cancer survivor, patient, and family who knows this fight,” Kehoe said.
“Breast cancer touches the lives of countless families across our state, and tragically, we lose about 800 women to this disease each year in Missouri. Early detection through regular screenings, along with access to treatment and support, remains essential to saving lives.”
Beyond serving as a symbol of support for patients, survivors and their families, the pink dome is intended to draw attention to awareness, education and early detection as Breast Cancer Awareness Month gets underway.
Missouri residents who may have difficulty accessing screening services can seek assistance through the state’s Show Me Healthy Women program. The program provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings to women who meet age, income and insurance requirements, with participating providers located throughout Missouri.
Eligible participants can receive services including clinical breast exams, mammograms and diagnostic follow-up. The program generally serves uninsured or underinsured women with household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, subject to additional eligibility rules.
More information about screenings, eligibility and participating providers is available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Show Me Healthy Women webpage.
