Annapolis City Hall lights up pink for breast cancer awareness

During breast cancer awareness month, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County leaders encourage women, many who may have pushed off preventative screenings during the pandemic, to schedule appointments and be mindful that breast cancer among women is one of the most common cancers and the second leading cause of cancer death.

To raise awareness, the city of Annapolis lit City Hall up pink over the weekend and both Annapolis Fire and Police departments sold specially designed T-shirts in October as a fundraiser. The fire department T-shirts featuring Thomas Point Lighthouse and police shirts with a design by officer Matthew Pfau fund donations to the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

About one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, according to breastcancer.org, a nonprofit founded in 2000 by breast oncologist Marisa C. Weiss, M.D. that provides support and information about breast cancer.

A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the nonprofit. Less than 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health’s Cancer Screening Services program may be able to help with no-cost clinical breast exams, mammograms, and treatment for uninsured residents. To find out about eligibility for this program, call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health’s Cancer Screening Services at 410-222-6180. Nurse navigators can schedule your appointment, arrange for transportation, and reimburse health providers for diagnostic and treatment services.