Pink lights will illuminate light posts in downtown Powell and Cody through the end of October, part of the 25th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Money raised by the lighted post campaign, through donations from local businesses and individuals, funds breast cancer screenings through the Women's Wellness Program. In addition, Expressions Salon is holding a drawing, and Blair's Food Market is selling “pink ribbon” items, with proceeds going toward breast cancer research and the Women's Wellness Program.The local activity is just part of a veritable tidal wave of pink that floods the marketplace every October. Pink purses, pink yogurt lids, pink shoes and, yes, even pink dart tips from Sears. The pink message is powerful — an excellent reminder of a united, steady quest for a cure.But the pink everywhere also should remind women of important steps each can take to make a difference for themselves. All the pink spending certainly benefits the overall quest to find a cure — and few would argue against spending money to help fund research. But women, especially those over age 40 or with a family history of the disease, still need to have regular, yearly screenings. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to decrease the number of breast cancer deaths. And while for some the cost is prohibitive, there is assistance: The Women's Wellness Program at Wyoming Migrant Health in Powell and Cody assists women who are uninsured, underinsured, or are not able to pay for their annual health screenings.Let's all continue buying pink merchandise and supporting the overall goal of finding a cure for breast cancer. At the same time, until that cure is found, women must make regular screenings a life priority.

Pink lights will illuminate light posts in downtown Powell and Cody through the end of October, part of the 25th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Money raised by the lighted post campaign, through donations from local businesses and individuals, funds breast cancer screenings through the Women's Wellness Program. In addition, Expressions Salon is holding a drawing, and Blair's Food Market is selling “pink ribbon” items, with proceeds going toward breast cancer research and the Women's Wellness Program.

The local activity is just part of a veritable tidal wave of pink that floods the marketplace every October. Pink purses, pink yogurt lids, pink shoes and, yes, even pink dart tips from Sears.

The pink message is powerful — an excellent reminder of a united, steady quest for a cure.

But the pink everywhere also should remind women of important steps each can take to make a difference for themselves.

All the pink spending certainly benefits the overall quest to find a cure — and few would argue against spending money to help fund research. But women, especially those over age 40 or with a family history of the disease, still need to have regular, yearly screenings. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to decrease the number of breast cancer deaths.

And while for some the cost is prohibitive, there is assistance: The Women's Wellness Program at Wyoming Migrant Health in Powell and Cody assists women who are uninsured, underinsured, or are not able to pay for their annual health screenings.

Let's all continue buying pink merchandise and supporting the overall goal of finding a cure for breast cancer. At the same time, until that cure is found, women must make regular screenings a life priority.