State Websites, Social Media Sites ‘Go Pink’ to Recognize Breast Cancer

To recognize October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all official state of Michigan social media accounts will be "going pink" this week.

The "M" in the Pure Michigan logo, usually seen in blue or green, will be made pink in social media profile images and platform backgrounds. State of Michigan department web pages, the official Michigan.gov portal and Gov. Rick Snyder's website will also display the pink "M" for the cause.

Snyder, whose wife first lady Sue Snyder successfully battled breast cancer, said "this invasive disease has touched so many lives, and while we have made great strides in raising breast cancer awareness, it's crucial to remind women everywhere to take charge of their health. Early detection is key to survival. With regular screening, breast cancer is most likely to be detected at an earlier stage, when it is most treatable."

Michigan's 137 social media sites have a following of nearly one million users collectively. The state is launching the campaign to engage citizens with a series of messages that will include breast cancer screening tips, information and resources.

Gov. Snyder has also proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of early detection of breast cancer and to encourage women to get screened for breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Michigan women and the most commonly diagnosed cancer, with an estimated 7,710 women to be diagnosed in 2012.