DoH ends Breast Cancer Awareness month with “2-Day Pinktober” event

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Government is closing out Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October with a two-day event, starting tomorrow, Friday, and spearheaded by the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) in partnership with the Health Department, which is also calling on the public to wear “pink” and join the DoH wave tomorrow morning — in a separate event.

The Governor’s Chief of Staff, Tuimavave Tauapa’i Laupola, through an Oct. 26th memo to cabinet members, explained that DYWA in partnership with DoH’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Division is sponsoring a “2-Day Pinktober” event to “promote Breast Cancer Awareness”.

“Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed type of non-skin cancer, overtaking lung cancer for the first time as reported by the American Cancer Society and the second leading diagnosed disease among women in American Samoa,” Tuimavave noted.

“It is of the utmost importance that we show our solidarity in support of those currently battling this disease,” he points out. “I ask for your prayers for those who have lost loved ones due to Breast Cancer and their families and friends left behind. Also, let us not forget the courage of survivors who are with us still and are around to share their stories.”

Tuimavave reminded directors that the government is committed to assuring resources are fully accessible and affordable to assist in early screenings and early detection while continuing to promote Breast Cancer outreach, awareness and education.

He said that all ASG departments, agencies, offices and authorities are encouraged to participate in two-day “Picktober” event. Day one is Trick or Treat tomorrow Friday, Oct. 29th from 4p.m to 6:30p.m at the DYWA center in Tafuna.

DoH will also have a table set up for the lymphatic filariasis campaign for those eligible to receive those pills.

Day 2 is the “Breast Cancer Awareness 5k Pink-Walk/ Run” on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 5a.m followed at 6:30a.m with Zumba. Participants will complete a 50-kilometer walk or run around the Tafuna area.

“Please remember to Wear Pink,” Tuimavave informed cabinet members. “We greatly appreciate this collaboration to show our unwavering support in our fight against Breast Cancer.”

Meanwhile, DoH is calling on the community to “Think Pink — Wear Pink” for the Breast Cancer Awareness Wave tomorrow morning, Friday, starting at 7a.m on the airport road, in front of the McDonald’s Restaurant in Tafuna.