Cromwell joins other towns and cities in New Zealand lighting up their landmarks and prominent buildings in pink to mark breast cancer awareness month this October.

More than 40 sites are participating in the illuminations campaign this year, from Whangārei’s Victoria Canopy Bridge to Invercargill’s Gala Street Fountain.

They will all be helping to raise awareness about the most common cancer for New Zealand women, and honour those affected by the disease.

In New Zealand 3,300 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, 25 men are diagnosed too, and there are more than 650 deaths each year. 

The annual pink ribbon street appeal is taking place on Friday October 28. Volunteers are still needed for two hour collection shifts; register at pinkribbonvolunteer.org.nz

Along with the street appeal, this month Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is asking friends and whānau to encourage the important wāhine in their lives to book a mammogram.

Women have a 95 per cent chance of surviving at least 10 years after their diagnosis if the breast cancer was found on a mammogram, compared to 85 per cent if they found a lump themselves. Mammograms are life-saving – they can detect breast cancer before any symptoms are noticed, making it much easier to treat.

Check out the countrywide list of landmarks going pink here. 

Have you got a breast cancer story to share? Are you planning fundraising for the not for profit organisation this month? Let [email protected] know.