The YWCA held its 12th annual Pink Tea luncheon Friday in recognition of break cancer awareness month.

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we try to invite the community to be aware of the importance of getting mammograms every year,” said Encore Plus Project Director, Kendal Evans.

Around 50 people were in attendance at the luncheon. A presentation by the University of Missouri Interactive Theater Troupe was held during the event.  Actors walked participants through “Dialogues About Breast Cancer.”  The audience was able to ask questions from the actors pretending to be living in the real-life situation of dealing with the cancer diagnoses.

Evans said it’s critical to remind women about the importance of getting a mammogram all year long, not just during the month of October.

“A mammogram could save their life,” said Evans. “You could find a lump or cancer at its earliest stage and there are more chances of survival that way.”

The YWCA’s Encore Plus program aims to educate and encourage women in the community to seek earlier detection and prevention against breast cancer.

“Just don’t wait until the last minute,” said Evans. “Early detection is the key.”