FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 1, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

First Lady Urges Missourians to Recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month

JEFFERSON CITY - In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month First Lady Melanie Blunt and Gov. Matt Blunt will light the fountain on the Missouri Governor's Mansion grounds pink throughout the month of October.

"Breast cancer is a very real threat that we all need to be aware could impact each of us," said Mrs. Blunt, who lost her mother to the disease. "The most important message I can send about breast cancer is the importance of early detection and the crucial role we all play in our own health."

Close to four thousand Missouri women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. One of the most significant factors for survival remains early detection. Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends a 3-step approach to breast cancer screening that includes a combination of mammography, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams:
*Annual mammograms beginning at age 40
*Clinical breast exam at least every 3 years beginning at age 20, and annually from age 40 on
*Monthly breast self-exam beginning by age 20

Mrs. Blunt encourages women to take time to safeguard their health as we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and all year long.

This year Gov. Matt Blunt called for and secured $500,000 to support free breast and cervical cancer screenings through the Show Me Healthy Women program. The additional funding is more than three times last year's state funding and will allow the program to serve approximately 1,225 additional women next year.

This month the first lady is offering several special tributes in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month that will serve as reminders of the importance of breast cancer screening. On October 10 for one night, the Arch in St. Louis will be lit pink. The entire month the fountain at the Missouri Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City will also be lit pink. In addition, on October 3, Gov. and Mrs. Blunt will host a reception honoring organizations and individuals making a mark in the fight to find a cure for breast cancer.

Mrs. Blunt serves as honorary chair and spokeswoman for Komen for the Cure - Mid Missouri Affiliate and has played an active role as a champion for breast cancer research and awareness. This year she led teams in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in both St. Louis and Kansas City.

Members of the media who would like access to the Mansion grounds to film or photograph the fountain should contact the governor's communications office at (573) 751-0290 to make arrangements.

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