Prevent Breast Cancer One Woman at a Time (PHOTOS)

Elizabeth Hurley and I travel the world together each October and share the message that, as Elizabeth puts so well:

"There is a great deal of misinformation out there about breast cancer. We need to connect with every woman we know -- whether it be a mother, grandmother, sister, daughter or friend. We cannot underestimate the importance of communicating to women everywhere that they need to see their doctors regularly and get a mammogram annually if they are over the age of 40. It's important. Don't leave it for an extra year."

In 1992, I co-created the Pink Ribbon with Alexandra Penney, then editor-in-chief of SELF magazine, and in turn started The Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. Today, the Pink Ribbon has become the ubiquitous symbol of breast health, and I'm thrilled to share that, to date, The Estée Lauder Companies has distributed more than 110 million Pink Ribbons worldwide. The 2010 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign theme is: "Connect. Communicate. Conquer. Prevent Breast Cancer One Woman At A Time. The Pink Ribbon. Wear It. Share It." The Campaign drew its inspiration from The Estée Lauder Companies' heritage, which dates back to 1946, when we reached our consumers through a "High-Touch" method of communication: "Telephone, Telegraph, Tell-A-Woman," and also demonstrates how communication today has evolved and is much more fast-paced. The Campaign visual of a woman's hand over her breast represents how women can take control of their breast health and how we can conquer this disease one woman at a time.

In a time when a message can be sent worldwide with a click of a button, we knew that the use of social media was key. So in order to bring this portion of the campaign to life and to get the message out worldwide, we invited influential bloggers to New York City to be photographed by world renowned photographer John Midgley, whereby each blogger recreated this signature visual, of the woman's hand over her breast, to reflect their personal passion for this cause. Participating bloggers include: Jane Cuoto, Sharon Cuoto and Audrey McClelland (Mom Generations); Gala Darling (GalaDarling.com); Laura Kenny (AOL Style List); Wendy Lam (Nitrolicious); Peter Shankman (Shankman); Amanda Steinberg (DailyWorth); Rachel Sklar (mediaITE); Renee Styler (Good Enough Mother) and Annie Tomlin (Bella Sugar).

• • • • • • • • •

With the help of these bloggers, these images will inspire individuals the world over to take their own BCA pledge to support Breast Cancer Awareness (i.e., to get a mammogram if you are over 40) and share their pledge with at least one person, encouraging them to, in turn, do the same. The BCA Pledge campaign can be found across a variety of online destinations, including over a dozen Estée Lauder Companies' brand websites, Facebook pages, on blogs (including those of the participating bloggers) and on the campaign's site: www.bcapledge.org. The campaign also has its own Facebook page, Twitter channel (@BCAPledge) and YouTube channel. We hope that you can join us in our efforts to "Connect. Communicate. Conquer. Prevent Breast Cancer One Woman At A Time."

Elizabeth and I are also passionate about finding a cure for breast cancer through research. In 1993, I founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, as an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. To date, the foundation has raised over 290 million dollars. In October 2010, BCRF is awarding $33 million to over 170 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. Last year, more than 88 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation went directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs. The American Institute of Philanthropy has awarded the Foundation its highest possible rating of A+. BCRF is the only breast cancer organization to receive this accolade; and is the only cancer organization to currently hold this ranking. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org. The Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign is the largest corporate sponsor of BCRF.

We are so appreciative of everyone who has partnered with us in the effort, and know that one day breast cancer will become a thing of the past!

 

Follow Evelyn Lauder on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BCAPledge

Comments

[assumetheopposite]

01:33 AM on 10/23/2010

UGH! The first law of nuclear pacifism is that there is no safe dose of man-made radiation. This includes mammograms. A substantial chunk of breast cancer is actually *caused* by mammograms because the fatty tissue comprising breasts is more susceptible to this ionizing radiation than any other type of tissue. This is why so many virulent, rapidly progressing breast cancers appear *after* negative mammograms. Our DNA repair mechanisms, which I studied in graduate school, are designed to cope with naturally occuring radiation, such as C-14, natural isotopes of U, and cosmic rays. Introducing man-made radiation overwhelms the system, like a thousand buses pulling up to a fast food restaurant in the middle of the night. I do deeply appreciate all the comments regarding carcinogens in cosmetics, which men aren't required to wear. Other true causes of breast cancer are itemized below; the *real* prevention is in abolition and avoidance of these.
Caffeine, tobacco, antidepressants, school stimulants, and all other uppers
Chest x-rays, CT scans, angiograms, and all other medical x-rays
Contraceptive drugs. Use barrier contraception and fertility awareness instead.
All other synthetic hormones
Failure to breastfeed
Bras. They cut off lymphatic circulation; this is why lymph nodes are invariably involved. Source: Gary Null, FOR WOMEN ONLY
Nuclear bomb testing and all related radiation
Agribusiness carcinogens
Pesticides in the home, school, institutuions, and workplace
I could go on, but I'm running out of space...

[mkwhittenburg]

12:22 PM on 10/18/2010

Of course, I think it's incredible that people in the public eye are stepping out and making others aware of breast cancer, but when one of those people happens to be a part of the cause, it makes me shudder a bit. Estee Lauder's cosmetic companies continue to make their products with known cancer-causing agents.

"Estee Lauder brands Bumble & Bumble, Aveda and Clinique contain chemicals that are likely to be contaminated with the carcinogens 1,4-dioxane or formaldehyde; Bobbi Brown Blush contains silica and titanium dioxide (which poses a risk of cancer from inhalation); and several Estee-owned brands still use parabens, which can act like estrogen in the body. Higher estrogen exposures throughout a woman's life can increase her risk of breast cancer, according to the latest scientific evidence," according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. STOP THE PINKWASHING AND REALLY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!

Go to the Breast Cancer Fund's website for scientific evidence: http://www.breastcancerfund.org/media/publications/state-of-the-evidence/

The Breast Cancer Fund's seminal report, State of the Evidence: The Connection Between Breast Cancer and the Environment, captures the new and mounting science linking breast cancer to chemical and radiation exposure. It also connects the science to action: practical advice for individuals, and opportunities for lawmakers to protect public health.

[Patricia Blochowiak]

02:59 AM on 10/17/2010

Let's not only detect breast cancer early with mammograms, but also truly prevent breast cancer by avoiding cancer-causing substances, such as the ones found in Estee Lauder brands, including Aveda. Estee Lauder would do well to stop buying cancer-causing substances to put into its products.

[Bluesy Nista]

09:25 PM on 10/16/2010

When are Estee Lauder brands going to stop using known carcinogens like dioxane, silica, titanium dioxide and parabens in their cosmetics. These carcinogens also put women ar risk for breast cancer.

[Linda Hall Ruberto]

10:11 AM on 10/16/2010

Estee Lauder was a dearly beloved name in our house growing up. I am an esthetician now, and have fond memories of mom and her beautiful products.
I have to tell you though, that I agree with Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and want to ask you to please promise us Evelyn Lauder, that every one of your brands will stop using carcinogens and hormone disruptor from chemical companies.
You are an icon in the industry and could pave the way!

[kimchihoff]

03:00 PM on 10/15/2010

Please stop your disingenuous support to cure cancer. You hold power to truly affect change by changing the formulation of your products and eliminating toxins. THAT would be a bold effort. Rather than continuing to create cancers, profit off the backs of women, and then throw money at all sorts of gimmicky pink marketing campaigns, we would like to see real reform by signing the Pact for Safe Cosmetics and reformulating your products. Estee Lauder, Avon and countless other cosmetic companies should be ashamed at choosing to ignore the science and trying to earn a buck off vulnerable customers.

[EcoHerbalista]

02:56 PM on 10/15/2010

Please help to prevent breast cancer by removing known carcinogens from Estee Lauder products. They're banned in the EU, but thanks to millions of dollars in lobbying, they're perfectly legal here, all dressed in pink for October.

[Judi Emmenecker Johnson]

02:42 PM on 10/15/2010

It is a real shame that a cosmetic giant cannot or will not reformulate their cosmetic and personal care products to make them safe. But instead focus on contributing major bucks to research the cause or "find the cure" for cancer. Let's mutilate our body's for profit and beauty. Disgusting! I personally have boycotted Estee Lauder products for the last three years. Life is about choices let's all start making better ones. Let's learn how to live more healthy lives. Each of us have the right to make good choices. Start today for your health and that of those you LOVE!

[Debbie Cantwell]

01:39 PM on 10/15/2010

If Estee Lauder truly cared about breast cancer, and the women like me who have had it, they sould stop putting unhealthy ingredients in their products. There are plenty of other brands who create makeup without the chemicals linked to breast cancer and birth deffects. Thank you for carrying the pink ribbon, but please, a little integrity would be nice.

[sharoncastelli]

01:37 PM on 10/15/2010

To truly make a difference, let's forget about flaunting the pink ribbon and actually manufacture make up with no known carcinogens and hormone disrupters! Estee Lauder, like most mainstream brands are loaded with these chemicals. See for yourself at Skindeep.org database. There is too much information available now to stand for this.

[Ursula1007]

12:34 PM on 10/15/2010

I am disgusted with the Pink business. Cancer and Breast Cancer is BIG MONEY MAKING BUSINESS... Pink makes it cute. It is not pink it is bloody, dark blood red frightening, terrifying, not pretty like a pink ribbon.
The cummulative effects of modern life are destroying the not well used source of life - ironic isn't it? Cosmetics to make us look sexy, while we use birth control pills contributing to cancer to keep from getting pregnant and then do not use our breasts to feed our babies... anti-sexy.. Not breast feeding, contributes to breast cancer.. I am So sick of the partial truths and the cuteness of all of this I am furious and disgusted. And yes... I've had breast cancer (Stage III)...as they would like to make me believe I STILLL HAVE ( I don't buy that anymore than I buy that I STILL HAVE MY LAST FLU) so I know of what I speak. Mine likely came from large doses of x-rays to my neck when a toddler and stress, severe stress... those two contributors, too, should be talked about. The sustainer of life becomes the source of disease & death. ah Umm what is wrong with this picture; what does it tell us about ourselves?
'nothing more sexy than a pregnant woman and/or a woman breast feeding; nothing more unsexy than a gorgeous women who cannot get pregnant and uses her breast for other than feeding her babies.

[jgarma]

05:24 PM on 10/06/2010

I'm a male, and no female in my life has or has had breast cancer, I'm very happy to say. But I'm still very aware of it.

One reason for this awareness is, of course, that breast cancer is so prevalent and pernicious that it's in the press and on the lips of many people. The other reason is that where I live near San Francisco, it seems that every few months thousands of women clad in pink walk through to raise money for breast cancer cures, and to promote awareness.

So, my eyes immediately alighted upon the Dr. Oz video that was on Yahoo's home page earlier today. There, Dr. Oz spoke about the three preventative measures that women can do to reduce the incidence of breast cancer.

I've put the video and a summary of his suggestions here: http://www.garmaonhealth.com/2010/10/oz-breast-cancer/

The doctor also underscores the value of getting colonoscopies, something he's very sensitive sense the one he recently got when turning 50 he thinks saved his life.

[polaire]

01:20 PM on 10/04/2010

I read this article and see 'the name of the companies' more than anything else. I read the comments and I see sense. Breast cancer won't be prevented by 110 million pieces of useless pink material handed out by globetrotting multimillionairesses, it'll more likely be better prevented by people taking on board the nutritional advice advocated in so many of these comments.
Oh and eating one mushroom a day may make a positive difference, according to many doctors.
Don't be a mushroom (kept in the dark and fed BS), eat a mushroom.

[nancynancy]

01:58 PM on 10/06/2010

Exactly. Let's hope that next year, we won't be subjected to another month-long hype fest.

[s7mylsup]

06:31 PM on 10/03/2010

Elizabeth Hurley smokes like a chimney. Promoting breast cancer awareness? Really?

[Cuyahoga]

03:13 PM on 10/03/2010

My 63 yr old cousin tested positive for the worst kind of breast cancer (sorry I don't recall the terms). Tomorrow she will have an elective double mastectomy. My heart is ever more with women who suffer from this disease and the ones who take steps such as my cousin to prevent it. I wonder if I could be so brave? My heart is full right now. Thank you for this article.

[nancynancy]

11:57 AM on 10/04/2010

Your cousin will be fine. I had that procedure 16 years ago and it's no big deal, nor does it require bravery, just common sense.