(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC United and Washington Spirit soccer clubs hosted DC’s Pink Health Festival to recognize the impact of breast cancer and raise awareness to life-saving resources in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer death among women residing in the District,” said Mayor Bowser. “Through this partnership, we are highlighting the importance of lifesaving mammography services and reminding all people to check in with their health care providers about what regular screenings they might need based on their age, family history, and other factors.”
Project WISH, a DC Health initiative that specializes in providing free breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic follow-ups to District women who are uninsured and underinsured between the ages of 21 and 64, reported a decrease in screening in 2020 as a result of COVID-19. Today’s event not only provides immediate and lifesaving mammography services, but will also serve as a reminder for all people to schedule annual appointments and talk to their doctors and health care providers about what additional screenings are available and necessary.
To highlight the importance of lifesaving mammography services and bring awareness of breast cancer in the District year round, the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives (MOWPI) partnered with Breast Care for Washington to provide a mobile mammography mamo-van where residents receive free mammogram screenings at the event. MOWPI also partnered with the Howard University Cancer Center team to host sessions to teach women how to conduct self-exams, and the George Washington University team who can share services and resources to individuals and families impacted by breast cancer.
“As the Mayor’s Office for Women’s Policy and Initiatives, we are committed to connecting DC women to lifesaving screenings and educational resources,” said Jennifer Porter, Executive Director of MOWPI.
The festival occurring at Audi Field will also host community resource tabling, giveaways, and appearances by players from DC United and the Washington Spirit soccer clubs.
Attendees will receive a pair of tickets for the DC United game on October 20. They will also receive two tickets for the Washington Spirit game on October 31.