Tauranga is set to turn pink this October, sending a message of support and hope during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Seven prominent landmarks and buildings across the city are joining more than 90 sites around the country lighting up in pink as part of the Global Illuminations campaign.

They are Beacon Wharf, Masonic Park, Waterfront Park North, Waterfront Playground, Tunks Reserve, Tunks St lights, and Wharf St lights, said Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

The big screen at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval will also display breast cancer awareness messaging throughout the month.

The display is helping Breast Cancer Foundation NZ to remind New Zealanders that early detection is the best way to save lives from breast cancer.

The campaign also illuminates the charity’s annual Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, taking place on October 17 and 18.

Thousands of volunteers will be shaking pink buckets to collect donations for breast cancer research, education campaigns and patient support programmes.

“This October, we’re calling on New Zealanders to back our vision of stopping deaths from breast cancer,” said the foundation’s chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner.

“While most people diagnosed with breast cancer survive and go on to live long, fulfilling lives, we still lose 650 Kiwis every year to the disease – our mission is to change that.

“With support from the people of Bay of Plenty, and right across the country, we know we can make a bigger difference. Please take a moment to take care of your breast health, or remind the women you love to do so, and get involved with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in any way you can.”

The Breast Cancer Foundation urges women to be “breast aware” to give themselves the best chance of surviving breast cancer – that means getting to know the normal look and feel of their breasts, regularly touching and looking for any changes, and getting changes checked by a GP as soon as possible.

For women aged 45-69, free mammograms are available through BreastScreen Aotearoa every two years.

The foundation is still looking for volunteers to take part in its Pink Ribbon Street Appeal.

For more information on this and other ways to get involved with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/bcam