EARLY DETECTION IS THE BEST PROTECTION!
This October and November, Putnam County, Tennessee, celebrates the annual Pink & Pearl Campaign.
This October and November, the Putnam County Health Department is promoting breast and lung cancer awareness with the sixth annual Pink & Pearl Campaign. Originally developed in Tennessee, the Pink & Pearl Campaign aims to bring awareness to the prevalence of and screening options for breast and lung cancer. The campaign combines two significant symbols: the pink ribbon, which is widely recognized for breast cancer awareness, and the pearl ribbon, representing lung cancer awareness. In Tennessee, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, behind lung cancer.
Routine cancer screenings continue to be incredibly important. Healthcare providers encourage all eligible individuals to get routine check-ups, including routine cancer screenings. Screening increases the chance of early detection when more treatment options are available, which may increase the chance of survival.
“As Mayor and a Nurse Practitioner, I know firsthand how critical early detection is in the fight against breast and lung cancer,” states City of Cookeville Mayor, Laurin Wheaton. “The Pink & Pearl Campaign is more than a call for awareness; it’s a call to action. Screenings save lives, and we all have a role to play in spreading the word. This October and November, let’s stand together — in pink and in pearls — to honor those we’ve lost, support those still fighting, and protect our future through prevention.”
Breast Screening Recommendations
The current United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines recommend that women begin regular mammogram screenings at 40. Some women may need to start screening at an earlier age, depending on risk factors. Talk to your healthcare provider today. You may also receive additional screening information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1
Through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and the Center for Disease Control, the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program (TBCSP) helps low-income, uninsured women gain access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. For more information on the program, please contact your local health department.
Lung Screening Recommendations
The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer in adults ages 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history and who currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors and determine if screening is right for you. You may visit the CDC for more information. 2
Pink and Pearl Day
On Friday, November 7th, 2025, Pink & Pearl Day, Tennessee can support the campaign by wearing pink and pearls and sharing pictures on social media using hashtags #PinkandPearl and #MyPinkandPearlWhy.