A wide range of state landmarks are being lit pink in October to mark National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
New York State officials today announced that One World Trade Center, SUNY Plaza, the State Education Building, the Alfred E. Smith Building and the New York State Fair Exposition Building and numerous bridges will all be lit pink in October.
The George Washington Bridge, The Goethals Bridge, the Bayonne Bridge, the Kosciuszko Bridge and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge also will be lit pink.
"Raising awareness about early detection and preventive services is our biggest weapon against breast cancer," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "We will continue to make it a priority and make it easier for every woman in New York to be screened."
About 16,000 women in New York each year are newly diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 2,500 die from the disease, according to the state.
"We are continuing our efforts to promote breast cancer screenings statewide and building on our investments to help New Yorkers access the heath care they need," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said in a written statement.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign organized by breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness and to raise funds for research.
The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer and prompts the sale of pink products and a wide range of fundraisers.
The rate at which women in New York are getting screened for breast cancer has increased from 80.3 percent in 2017 to 82.1 percent in 2018, according to the state. That means approximately 50,000 more women were screened in New York in 2018 than in the prior year.
Groups such as the Susan G. Komen organization seek to fundraise in October. The group says it has raised$2.9 billion for reserach, outreach and advocacy in 60 nations
The National Breast Cancer Foundation also makes a push in October, along with numerous other organizations.
New York State, and government in general, is using the lighting of landmarks as a way to attract attention to numerous causes.
The same structures, for instance, were lit gold on September 29 in recognition of Gold Star Families, those who have lost a loved one in military conflict. The last Sunday in September is recognized nationwide as Gold Star Families Day.