Dear Friends:

I invite you to join us in the fight against breast cancer. Become a member of our Pink Ribbon 

Sunday team.

Across the country, congregations of all denominations are helping to save lives by joining the Pink 

Ribbon Sunday Program developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Women’s 

Health (OWH). The program provides leaders like you with free resources to help educate the 

women in their church and community about mammography. This education is vitally important 

because mammography is the best tool we have to detect breast cancer early. 

The Pink Ribbon Sunday program works with churches, mosques, and temples because they are 

a main source of spiritual and economic support for African American and Hispanic communities. 

The program provides religious institutions with a guide and free resources to help them develop 

mammography awareness activities. The first Pink Ribbon Sunday campaign was conducted at 153 

churches in Houston, TX in partnership with the local American Cancer Society. The program has 

since expanded nationwide to include rural and urban communities from Georgia to Puerto Rico and 

Washington, DC to Oklahoma. The Pink Ribbon Sunday Program has reached over 100,000 women 

and with your help this number will continue to grow.

As an active member of your congregation, you can play an instrumental role in this program. You 

can use your influence to raise awareness, provide hope, and inspire others to respond to this vital 

women’s health issue. It is easy. Just follow the five simple steps outlined in this guide to organize a 

Pink Ribbon event in your community.

I encourage you to read this Pink Ribbon Sunday guide to learn how you and your congregation can 

create a mammography awareness activity that will promote action and maybe even save women’s 

lives. 

Your efforts can also motivate other congregations. We would like to share your success stories on 

our website. The back cover lists our address. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely,

Marsha Henderson

Assistant Commissioner for Women’s Health

U. S. Food and Drug Administration
Diahann Carroll

Award-winning Actress, Singer and Cancer Survivor

Dear Friends,

Many of you may know me from my ground-breaking performances as an actress and singer. 

Throughout my career, I have strived to depict strong women who epitomize “glamour, 

integrity, and ageless beauty.” I have learned over the years that the secret to real beauty 

comes from taking time to care for my health.

I am a breast cancer survivor. I am here today because I took the time to get screened. My 

lump was discovered early by a routine mammogram, and I was successfully treated.

Before I was diagnosed, breast cancer was the last thing on my mind. I did not have a 

family history of the disease. Thankfully, I did not let that stop me from getting regular 

mammograms. Mammography helped save my life. 

All women, particularly African American women, must get regular mammography 

screenings. African American women have the highest death rate from breast cancer partly 

because we often do not get screened. Mammograms can help find lumps early when you 

have the best chance for a full recovery.

The Pink Ribbon Sunday program gives you the tools to educate others about the power of 

early detection of breast cancer through mammography. Use your voice to encourage your 

sisters, friends and neighbors to get regular mammograms.

My experience with breast cancer taught me that the key to good health is regular health 

screenings. I can testify that mammograms can help you survive breast cancer and enjoy a 

long life with style and grace. 

Sincerely,

Diahann Carroll
Mayte Prida Spanish Television Host, Author and Cancer Survivor

Dear Friends,

I am Mayte Prida, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, an author, a Spanish television host, 

but most importantly, a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2001. 

When I received the news I was in total shock. I didn’t fit the medical “profile” for the disease 

and there was no history of breast cancer in my family. I had never imagined that at the age 

of 38 and as a single mother with no health insurance, I would ever face such a monumental 

challenge. 

The road to recovery has not been easy, but it has been full of blessings. One such blessing 

is the opportunity I now have to help others who are dealing with this illness. That is why I 

am honored to participate in the Pink Ribbon Sunday program because it is a great tool to 

spread awareness about the importance of regular screenings.

Breast cancer is the number #1 cancer killer for Hispanic women in the United States. Why? 

Because there is still a stigma of shame attached to the disease. And as a result, people don’t 

speak about their “secret burden”—even with their families. In order to save lives, we need 

to break this cycle. 

Since early detection is the key to survival, let’s make it a habit to do a breast self 

examination every month and get regular mammography screenings. Thankfully, there 

are many programs available to help us. While scientists continue to search for a cure, we 

must take care of ourselves. 

Life is precious and unique. Even when we face difficulties, life is definitely worth living!

Mucha Luz and good health,

Mayte Prida
SHARE THE GOOD NEWS...

Early Detection is the Best Protection 

We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer – a friend, mother, sister 

or maybe even you. About one in eight women in the United States will get breast cancer 

during her lifetime. Each year, nearly 40,000 women die from breast cancer. Breast cancer 

has had a devastating toll on African American and Hispanic women. African American 

women have the highest breast cancer death rate for all women. Breast cancer is also the 

leading cause of cancer deaths among Hispanic women.

There is Good News

We know that early detection of breast cancer can help to improve a woman’s chance of 

survival. Mammography is the best tool for finding breast cancer early. 

• Regular mammography screenings can help to save lives.

• More than 90% of women who find and treat their breast cancer early are 

cancer-free at five years. 

• About 60% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed before they spread.

• Many breast lumps are not cancerous – see your doctor right away to be sure.

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspects all mammography facilities to 

make sure that they meet the same high quality standards.

The Pink Ribbon Sunday program was created to tell African American and Hispanic women 

the good news about mammography. Pink Ribbon activities help to educate women about 

mammography and to encourage them to take charge of their breast health by getting 

regular mammography screenings.

1
You Can Help 

By getting your place of worship involved in the Pink Ribbon Sunday mammography 

awareness program, you may help to save lives. The Pink Ribbon Sunday program is simple 

and easy to implement. This guide provides sample activities, materials, and resources that 

will help you to organize Pink Ribbon Sunday activities and events for your congregation 

and community. In this guide, you will find:

• Basic Facts about Mammography

• 5 Simple Steps for Organizing a Pink Ribbon Activity

• Tips for Identifying Resources in Your Area

• Sample Flyers and Announcements 

The guide is written for churches. However, it can be used by a variety of groups such as 

social clubs, sororities, community organizations, fitness clubs, and health groups.

PINK RIBBON SUNDAY...

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

The program got its name because the first activities were held at churches 

on Sunday. However, Pink Ribbon events can be held any day of the week 

depending on the beliefs and preferences of your community. You can 

have a Pink Ribbon Friday or Pink Ribbon Days that span an entire week. 

Also, remember that you are not required to conduct your activities during 

the regular church service. Activities can be held after service, on Saturday, 

or in the evening during the week. For example, one church held a Pink 

Ribbon luncheon after the Sunday service.

2
ENLIGHTENING NEWS... 

Learn the Facts about Mammography

It is important that you know the facts about mammography before you start planning your 

Pink Ribbon Sunday activities.

FACT #1

Every woman should work with her doctor or nurse to develop a breast health plan. 

Women should know the factors that may increase their risk for breast cancer. Women 

should also talk with their health care providers to find out when they should start getting 

mammograms.

FACT #2

A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray picture of the breast. A trained expert takes several 

pictures of your breast. A specialist called a radiologist then examines the pictures. There is 

no risk of triggering cancer in healthy cells from the radiation given off from the equipment 

used.

Women have the right to get written results of their mammograms and the original 

mammogram pictures, not copies.

FACT #3

Mammograms can detect breast lumps when they are very small and long before they 

cause symptoms or problems. It can find breast cancer that is too small for a woman or her 

doctor to feel.

Mammograms are not perfect, but they are the best way to find small lumps. The smallest 

circle shown above gives you an idea of the size lump that may be detected by routine 

mammography. The largest circle shows the size lump that may be detected by a breast 

self-exam.

The circles do not represent actual sizes of breast lumps.

3
FACT #4

All facilities that offer mammograms in the United States must meet the same high 

standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In fact, it’s a law called the 

Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). Under MQSA, the FDA inspects the safety 

and reliability of all mammography facilities like hospitals, clinics, x-ray centers, and mobile 

vans that offer mammograms.

Always look for the MQSA certificate. It shows that the staff has completed special training 

and that the equipment has been properly inspected.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Public Health Service

Food and Drug Administration

CERTIFIED MAMMOGRAPHY FACILITY

This certifies that

has complied with the requirements of the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992

and is hereby authorized to perform mammography examinations, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 263b.

FORM FDA 3402A (Rev. 6/08) THIS CERTIFICATE SHALL BE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED IN THE MAMMOGRAPHY FACILITY

DIRECTOR

DIVISION OF MAMMOGRAPHY QUALITY AND RADIATION PROGRAMS

CENTER FOR DEVICES AND RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH

Facility ID Number:

Expiration Date: COMMISSIONER OF FOOD & DRUGS

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

Patients may report comments/complaints to:

SAMPLE

FACT #5

Women with disabilities and women with breast implants can get mammograms. There 

are accessible mammography facilities for women with disabilities. To find an accessible 

facility, women should contact their insurance company, local health department, or national 

organizations like the American Cancer Society. Women with breast implants should tell 

their providers when they make their appointment to get a mammogram.

FACT #6

Women should talk to their doctor to see if digital mammography is right for them.

Digital mammograms are pictures of the breast that are viewed on a computer. Regular 

mammograms are viewed on X-ray film. Some women should consider having a digital 

mammogram:

• Women under 50 years old.

• Women with “dense” breasts. (Breasts that have more tissue than fat.)

4
PINK RIBBON SUNDAY... 

It’s Easy

Planning a Pink Ribbon event is easy. Follow the five simple steps described here to plan and 

implement activities for your congregation or community.

Step 1 – Get Support from Church Leadership

Your first and most important step is to meet with your church leadership and/or health 

ministry to get their support for the Pink Ribbon Sunday program. 

• Share the facts about mammography and tell them why it is important to educate the 

women in your community about mammography screening for breast cancer. 

• Motivate church leaders with your ideas for Pink Ribbon Sunday events. 

• Get the clergy and faith members to commit to the program.

Step 2 – Start Planning 

Once you have the support of your church 

leadership, it is time to start planning. Meet 

with the health ministry or group of volunteers 

to decide how much time, energy, and 

resources your congregation wants to commit 

to the program. The planning group will need to 

decide if you want to conduct a simple activity 

or an advanced activity for your congregation. 

Simple activities are easy to implement and 

require less time and resources. You may choose 

to do simple activities if you have a small church 

or a limited budget.

Advanced activities require more planning, 

volunteers, and resources. Advanced activities 

may also be open to the larger community 

and not just your congregation. You will have 

to account for larger crowds and increased 

demand for materials.

PINK SUNDAY

The King’s Chapel AME Church 

in Anderson, SC held a monthlong breast cancer awareness 

initiative which included a Pink 

Sunday program. The church 

had a talk by a guest speaker, 

served pink lemonade, and 

challenged members to a Pink 

Ribbon word search puzzle.

5
Some congregations start with simple activities and then work their way up to more advanced 

events. Your planning group will need to determine what is realistic for your congregation.

Examples of simple and more advanced Pink Ribbon activities are provided below.

SIMPLE ACTIVITIES

• Add mammography information to 

the church bulletin. 

• Set up a table after services to 

distribute free FDA fact sheets on 

mammography. 

• Host a small reception where you 

serve pink lemonade and cake while 

you discuss mammography screening.

• Provide a list of programs in your 

area that provide free or reduced cost 

mammograms. 

• Designate a specific day to 

distribute pink ribbons and ask your 

congregation to wear pink (dresses, 

hats, ties, shirts), possibly at a service 

during National Breast Cancer 

Awareness Month.

• Hold a men’s cook-off to raise money 

for a breast cancer organization. 

• Organize a car pool to drive church 

members to their mammography 

appointments.

ADVANCED ACTIVITIES

• Organize a visit from a mobile van that 

offers mammography screenings.

• Invite a guest speaker, such as a breast 

cancer survivor or local representative 

from a breast cancer organization to 

speak to the congregation.

• Partner with other local churches to do 

a city-wide Pink Ribbon celebration.

• Conduct a church or community health 

fair, inviting local organizations and 

health centers to exhibit and provide 

information and screenings.

• Work with a local hospital to hold a 

walk or run event to create awareness. 

• Host a prayer breakfast where 

ministers from local churches can listen 

to guest speakers talk about breast 

cancer.

• Arrange for a local doctor to do a 

radio or television interview to discuss 

mammography and breast cancer.

6
PINK RIBBON SUNDAY... 

Spread the Word

Things To Consider

Regardless of the level of activity you choose, make sure that you research the 

mammography resources available in your community. There are a variety of 

organizations like hospitals, health departments, and non-profit agencies that

may be able to help you to:

• Organize a Pink Ribbon event

• Join forces with one of their existing programs

• Identify resources like materials, free or low-cost screenings, and volunteers

You may also want to plan your activities and events to coincide with national health 

observances. This may help you to routinely schedule events, provide themes for activities, 

and increase the impact of your event by joining with other local and national organizations. 

Below are some observances that you may want to consider:

• National Mammography Day (October)

• National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)

• Mother’s Day (May)

• National Cancer Prevention Month (January)

• Black History Month (February) or Hispanic Heritage Month (September/October) 

- Select a day to observe the importance of health screenings

• National Minority Cancer Awareness Week (April)

Step 3 – Spread the Word: Promote Your Event

It is important that you promote your event. There are different strategies for spreading the 

word to your target audience. The strategy you choose will depend on the size of the crowd 

that you want to attend your Pink Ribbon Event. If you want to limit your activity to just your 

congregation, then you would not announce the activity to the public. However, if you are 

planning an activity for the entire community, then you may need to reach out to the media 

and other community groups to get the word out.

7
The following are examples of materials that can be used and modified to announce and 

promote your Pink Ribbon activities.

Note: Check the end of this guide for a sample promotional items that you can use in your 

events.

Flyers 

Flyers, handouts, and cards are easy and inexpensive ways to promote your event and 

activities. They can be designed and formatted to fit your specific audience and printed in 

eye-catching colors and designs. Printed items can be used in the following ways:

• Posted on church bulletin boards or in areas that are well-traveled.

• Inserted in church newsletters and bulletins.

• Distributed during regular services or at other church activities.

• Copied and made available for members to distribute throughout your community, 

especially if you are promoting an activity outside of your church.

Church Bulletin Announcements

Another easy and inexpensive way of announcing an upcoming Pink Ribbon event is to 

publish a notice in your church bulletin or newsletter. You can print the announcement 

several weeks in advance of your event and reprint it as needed up to the day of the event. 

It can also be read to the congregation during services and church meetings. The same 

announcement can be sent to other churches and organizations for posting online and in 

newsletters.

8
PINK RIBBON SUNDAY... 

Spread the Word

SAMPLE CHURCH BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

Candlelight Prayer Vigil, {Insert date}

Join your fellow church members in celebrating and 

remembering the lives of loved ones we have lost to breast 

cancer, while recognizing the courageous survivors at {Insert 

Location and Time}. Information on breast cancer risk 

factors and mammography screening will be distributed to 

all participants. Please bring your family members, friends, 

and neighbors. Anyone wishing to remember a loved one or 

survivor can contact {Insert Name} for more information.

The previous tools are effective in promoting events within your congregation. For larger, 

community-wide activities you will need to expand your efforts. This may require the use of 

media outlets such as radio, television, newspapers, and popular websites. Just remember, 

promoting events through the media could lead to large crowds and the need for additional 

resources. Following are examples of successful ways to deliver messages to large audiences. 

Public Service Announcement

A public service announcement (PSA) or community service announcement (CSA) can be 

used on radio or television to broadcast information about your event or activity. PSAs 

can be scripted and read “live” or taped for repeated broadcasting. PSAs can be done in 

various lengths (15 or 30 seconds), depending upon time constraints. They are intended to 

be used to raise the public’s awareness about your specific event. Check with local radio and 

television stations about free public service announcements.

9
PINK RIBBON SUNDAY... 

It’s Fun

Press Release

Whether you are promoting an upcoming event or announcing the success of a past event, 

you should consider using a press release. Press releases can help to educate not only your 

congregation but your community about what your church is doing. A press release can be 

distributed to TV or radio stations, newspapers, websites, health centers, clinics, and health 

advocacy organizations who can share the information with their members.

Step 4 – Implement Your Activities 

It is important that you start preparing for your activity weeks in advance. The type of 

activities or events you choose will determine the necessary preparations. The following are 

some, but not all, of the items to take into consideration before each event.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

• Be sure to get the church leadership 

to approve the type of activity, date, 

time, and place before implementing 

each activity - no matter how simple. 

The announcements and flyers should 

also be approved.

• Estimate the number of participants 

and make sure that you have a facility 

that can accommodate your activity 

and the crowd.

• Identify and assign responsibilities to 

volunteers prior to the event. Have 

back-up volunteers available in case 

of an emergency. 

• Ensure that you have enough supplies 

and materials for distribution (e.g., 

fact sheets, brochures, pink ribbons, 

pens, etc.). Have extra available.

• Make sure all speakers are approved 

by church leadership and have 

guest speakers send a copy of their 

presentation ahead of time.

• If needed, arrange for such items as 

a podium, platform, power source, 

microphone and sound system, 

lighting, projector, and screen. 

• Make sure that the facility has been 

confirmed and paid for if necessary.

• Confirm outside participants 

(e.g., health providers, sponsors, 

mammography van, sponsors, media, 

etc.) and their role in events.

• Designate a person to provide 

information and answer questions 

about the event for attendees and 

media.

10
PINK RIBBON SUNDAY... 

It’s Empowering!

Step 5 – Follow-Up

Follow-up is important for ensuring the ultimate success of any event. You should take note 

of how church leaders and members felt about the event, how smoothly the planning went, 

and which promotional tools and activities were most effective. Conducting the appropriate 

follow-up can help you to evaluate the success of your event and help you to efficiently 

organize future activities. In addition, monitoring the success of your program can help 

reinforce your congregation’s commitment to mammography awareness.

Keep Track of Your Successes

• Count the number of people who 

attended your health fair or other 

activity.

• Document the number of fact sheets or 

other materials you distributed.

• Track how many women had a 

mammogram at your event.

• Hold a post-event meeting with the 

planning committee to discuss the 

lessons learned (What worked and 

what didn’t?).

• Compile the names and contact 

information for guest speakers and 

other individuals who assisted with 

your activities, since they may be able 

to help you with future activities.

• Send a note to the FDA Office of 

Women’s Health about your event. 

We may want to tell others about the 

success of your activities.

PINK TEA AND 

PARADES IN

ATLANTA

In 2002, a city-wide Pink Ribbon 

Celebration was held in Atlanta in 

October – Breast Cancer Awareness 

Month. A “Pink Tea Party” was held to 

recruit planning committee members 

from churches across Atlanta. The 

celebration also included a community 

parade and a “Battle of the Bands” 

where mothers and grandmothers 

turned out to watch their children 

compete. Breast health promotional 

events were conducted during the 

entire month including a health fair, 

prayer breakfast and an educational 

workshop that was supported by the 

Governor of Georgia, Georgia’s Director 

of Women’s Health, the Fulton County 

Department of Health and Wellness, 

and the FDA Office of Women’s Health.

11
Follow up with event attendees and participants to keep the message of the Pink Ribbon 

Sunday program alive long after the event. Encourage Pink Ribbon participants to continue 

to have regular mammograms and to seek additional information and support from local 

and national resources when needed. Also, provide support to participants who may 

be diagnosed with breast cancer. There are many ways that you can help to keep your 

congregation motivated and empowered.

Provide Ongoing Support

• Create a car pool to help your members get to their mammogram appointments.

• Start a support group for women who are diagnosed with or have survived breast 

cancer.

• Create a buddy system to provide household help and emotional support to women 

undergoing breast cancer treatment.

• Hold follow-up activities throughout the year to continue to raise awareness about 

mammography.

• Include men and children in your activities. Breast cancer affects the entire family not 

just the person with the disease. 

12
PINK RIBBON SUNDAY... 

Connecting Women to Resources

Reaching Out to Local and National Resources 

It is critical that your Pink Ribbon activity help point women in the right direction for breast 

cancer and mammography information and services. You should identify local and national 

resources that can provide a wide range of materials and support, including:

• Government agencies • Managed care organizations • Clinics 

• Local hospitals • Local health departments • Cancer centers 

Keep a file of this information at your place of worship for quick reference and remember to 

include telephone numbers and websites. We have done part of the work for you. The next 

two pages list some helpful resources.

 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA has free resources that you can use.

Pink Ribbon Sunday Website

Download flyers, outreach cards, and other resources.

www.fda.gov/pinkribbon

Free Mammography Materials

Get free fact sheets and brochures. 

 View or Download: www.fda.gov/womenshealthpubs

 Order Free Bulk Copies:

 English - http://promotions.usa.gov/f06owhcard.html

 Spanish - http://promotions.usa.gov/f11owhspanish.html

FDA-Certified Mammography Facilities

Find facilities in your area.

www.fda.gov/findmammography

13
Additional Resources 

Other federal government agencies and national health organizations provide information 

on mammography and breast cancer. Check these resources:

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Free or low-cost mammography services

www.hrsa.gov/gethealthcare/affordable/index.html

National Cancer Institute

Information on breast cancer screening and treatment 

www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast or call 1-800-4-CANCER

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Statistics and other information on breast cancer

www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/ or call 1-888-842-6355

National Women’s Health Information Center

General information on breast cancer and other women’s health issues

www.womenshealth.gov/ or call 1-800-994-9662 or TDD: 1-888-220-5446

American Cancer Society

Information on all forms of cancer

www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345

14
PINK RIBBON SUNDAY... 

You Can Make a Difference

There are many reasons why women do not get recommended mammography screenings 

including: fear, time, concerns about cost, lack of knowledge about mammography, and 

limited access to health care services. By organizing a Pink Ribbon Sunday event for your 

church or community, you can help to reduce some of these barriers. You can help to 

distribute reliable health information, provide emotional support, and connect women to 

local resources. More importantly, you can serve as an inspiration and role model for the 

women in your community. 

The Pink Ribbon Sunday program gives you the power to make a difference. The program is 

easy and fun to implement. Just follow the 5 simple steps:

1. Get Support from Church Leadership

2. Start Planning

3. Spread the Word

4. Implement Your Activity

5. Do Your Follow-up

These proven steps as detailed in this guide will give you the tools and resources you need 

to make your activity a success.

Help to promote good health. Start planning your Pink Ribbon Sunday activity today!

151
PINK RIBBON SUNDAY... 

Promoting Your Activities

The samples that follow can be used to promote your Pink Ribbon Sunday event. Please 

feel free to copy these items and change the text to better suit your needs. You can also 

download sample promotional flyers and handouts at:

http://www.fda.gov/pinkribbon

The featured samples include a:

• Flyer 

• Handout 

• Information Card

• Press Release

• Public Service Announcement

161
Sample Flyer

{Insert Name of Church}

{Insert Name of Activity}

Date:

Time:

Location:

Contact:

17
18

Sample Handout 

THE GOOD NEWS

The Pink Ribbon Sunday program was created to tell African American and Hispanic 

women the good news about mammography.

Did you know?

• Regular mammogram screenings can help to save lives.

• Mammograms are the best tools we have to detect breast cancer early – 

improving a woman’s chance of successful treatment.

• More than 90% of woman who find and treat their breast cancer early are 

cancer-free at five years.

• Many lumps are benign (non-cancerous) – see your doctor right away to be 

sure.

• About 60% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed before they spread.

Every mammography facility in the United States, including mobile vans, clinics, 

and doctors’ offices, must be inspected and certified by the 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To find a FDA-certified mammography facility in your area, go to:

www.fda.gov/findmammography
19

Sample Information Card

saves

lives

Did you know?

All mammography facilities

in the U.S. must be certified by the

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Find a facility in your area:

www.fda.gov/findmammography
20

Sample Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: 

{Month, Day, Year} {Contact Name}

 {Organization Name}

 {Contact Telephone}

{Insert Your Church Name} Holds Pink Ribbon Day 

Program to Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer

{City, State} — {Your Church Name} will host Pink Ribbon Day on Sunday, 

{Month, Day, Year}, {Location: Street Address, City, State} to raise 

awareness about mammography screening for the early detection of breast 

cancer among African American women.

“Breast cancer affects the entire family not just the person with the disease,” 

{Insert Your Faith-leader’s name} said, “This is why the church is mobilizing 

the church family to help raise awareness about early detection.”

{Your Church Name} is urging African American women to take responsibility 

for their breast health by getting routine mammography screenings—the best 

available method for detecting breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable 

stage. Mammograms may detect breast cancer before a woman can feel a 

lump and sometimes before it can be felt by a doctor during a clinical breast 

examination. Lack of screening can lead to later diagnosis, later entry into 

treatment, and even death.

The statistics support the {Insert Your Church Name}’s concern. Each 

year, an estimated 40,000 women will lose their lives due to breast cancer. 

African American women are more likely to die of breast cancer than are 

women of all other races. While the death rates may be attributed to many 

factors, screening plays an important role. Minority women especially African 

American and Hispanic women often do not get regular mammography 

screenings.

“There is no better time and no better place for women to learn about breast 

health and the importance of mammography screening. Early detection 

saves lives.” according to {Insert Your Faith-leader’s name}.

# # #
Sample Public Service Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

PSA, FIFTEEN (15) SECONDS CONTACT: 

{Date the announcement can first be made} {Contact Name}

Through {Date it should last be made} {Organization Name}

 {Contact Telephone}

SUBJECT: {Insert Your Church Name} Holds Pink Ribbon Day 

Program to Promote Early Detection of Breast Cancer

{Insert Your Church Name} will hold a Pink Ribbon Day Program to 

promote early detection of breast cancer in Hispanic women. The program 

will encourage Hispanic women in {Insert Your City} to take responsibility 

for their breast health by getting routine mammography screenings. 

Mammograms are the best available method for detecting breast cancer 

in its earliest, most treatable stage. For more information, call {insert your 

church name, telephone number}.

21

10903 New Hampshire Avenue

WO32 2333

Silver Spring, MD 20993

www.fda.gov/pinkribbon