White House Raises Pink Ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness

The Obama administration paid tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a big way Monday, as workers hoisted a massive pink ribbon in the front of the White House.

The ribbon, which runs the length of the columns in front of the presidential residence, was raised after first lady Michelle Obama spoke at a breast cancer awareness event Friday.

Standing by breast cancer survivors, she tied the fight against breast cancer to the administration's effort to overhaul the health care system.

"It's a system that only adds to the fear and stress that already comes with the disease," she said.

Breast cancer awareness is one of the most widely recognized public health campaigns, with the NFL holding "breast cancer awareness games" this month during which players donned pink pins.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 192,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, and more than 40,000 will die from it.