October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and by the time we hit 40 (as readers of this post most likely are), it is highly likely we know someone who is currently, or has been, affected by breast cancer in Australia. Breast cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.
So, what is breast cancer? It is the abnormal growth of cells lining the breast lobules or ducts. The cells grow uncontrollably, and it can spread throughout your entire body. Both men and women can develop breast cancer, although it is much (much) more common in women. It is estimated by the National Breast Cancer Foundation that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2018, it is estimated that 18,235 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed – including 148 Men. That’s 50 women being diagnosed each & every day. There are some scary statistics above, but it’s not all bad news. Thanks to research, breast cancer survival rates are the highest they’ve ever been – the NBCF strategy of funding world-class research is working. Since NBCF’s inception in 1994, the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer has improved from 76% to 90%. It’s statistical proof that NBCF’s research strategy is positively impacting survival rates.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer? Some people have no symptoms at all, and the cancer is picked up during a mammogram, and others have a range of symptoms. Typical symptoms could include:
- New lumps or a thickening in your breast or under your arm
- Nipple Sores
- Nipple discharge or turning in
- Skin of your breast dimpling
- Rash or red swollen breasts
It is important to get regular checks, so any abnormality can be picked up early, and treatment started as early as possible. Women between the ages of 50 and 74 are invited to access free screening mammograms every two years via the BreastScreen Australia Program. Women aged 40-49 and over 75 are also eligible to receive free mammograms, however do not receive an invitation to attend. If you fall into these age groups, why not use Breast Cancer Awareness Month to make the appointment to have your breasts checked? As well as all women aged 50-74, it is recommended that women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, aged between 40-49 and over 75 discuss options with their doctor, or contact BreastScreen Australia on 13 20 50.
Of course research into Breast Cancer costs money, so if you would like to donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the leading Australian community funded organisation raising money for the prevention and cure of Breast Cancer, you can donate directly here. There are also many cosmetic companies producing limited edition products especially for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a significant donation is given for each product purchased. Why not stock up on some of your favourites during October, and support Breast Cancer Awareness as well? Some of the products raising funds during October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month, include:
Estee Lauder Limited Edition Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II
Estee Lauder companies have been supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month for a long time, and their products always donate a generous amount to breast cancer charities. This year, the iconic Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair to help maximise the power of your skins night time renewal, to reveal smoother, more radiant skin by morning is available in a limited edition pink bottle, with a faux leather keychain, so you can show your support for breast cancer awareness. 50ml RRP $150.00. For every bottle of the limited edition Advanced Night Repair sold during October, Estee Lauder will donate $30.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Bobbi Brown Pinks with a Purpose Lipstick Duo
Bobbi Brown are known for their luscious lipsticks, and the Pinks with a Purpose Duo features two iconic shades from their Original Lip Color range – Sandwash Pink and Pink. Keep your lips gorgeously hydrated, and awash with colour with these two beauties, while you show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness. The colours are so wearable, and perfect for Spring, I can’t pick a favourite – luckily they are sold as the duo, and I don’t have to, and neither do you! 3.4g each, RRP $75.00 for the duo. For each limited edition Pinks with a Purpose Duo sold during October, Bobbi Brown will donate $15.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
La Mer Cleansing Micellar Water
Inspired by the sea, as befits a La Mer product, the La Mer Cleansing Micellar Water gently sweeps away dirt, and emulsifies makeup in one quick, no-rinse, no-mess step. Your skin will feel fresh and clean, whilst your conscience supports Breast Cancer Awareness. Packaged in a gorgeous limited edition bottle, with a pink ribbon inspired La Mer logo wrap, you’ll want to keep this in your bathroom long after October has gone! 100ml RRP $75.00. For every bottle of the limited edition La Mer Cleansing Micellar Water sold during October, La Mer will donate $15.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Clinique Great Skin, Great Cause Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
Great skin and a great cause! The iconic Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion has been hydraitng our skin, and helping to strengthen our skin’s moisture barrier for many (many) years, and each year, it offers a new limited edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ bottle and key ring, so you can look after your skin, and show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness. This year, the collectible key ring is adorned with 5 Clinique charms, including a Pink Ribbon. 200ml RRP $70.00. For every bottle of the limited edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ sold in October, Clinique will donate $10 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme
Perfectly timed for our winter-worn hands, the Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme, with the calming Shampure aroma, which combines 25 pure flower and plant essences, luxuriously hydrates seriously dry hands hands, leaving them soft, and noticeably nourished. Gorgeously packaged in a generous sized pink tube, adorned with the Pink Ribbon motif the Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme softens and hydrates your hands, while you show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness. 150ml RRP $44.95. For every tube of the limited edition Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme sold in October, Aveda will donate US$4.00, to support cruelty-free research through the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
The Hope Clutch
The Hope Clutch is a limited edition, numbered clutch, designed and produced in collaboration by Barbe Dolan (from Fashionista in Suburbia, Breast Cancer Thriver, Ambassador and part of the Speakers Network for the NBCF), and Loretta Veage from Regallo, Woolooware. Both women are passionate about Breast Cancer Awareness, and the NBCF, and have designed this gorgeous woven black leather envelope clutch bag, with rose gold detailing and pink satin lining inside (reminiscent of the pink ribbon which is the logo of the NBCF). We love the the versatility of this bag – the size fits a small purse, phone, and a few makeup pieces. If you do to, I’d hurry – it is strictly a limited edition. Black leather clutch, RRP $99.95. For every Hope Clutch purchased, Regallo will donate $20.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
These companies and people are all supporting such a wonderful cause. Let’s show our support for Breast Cancer Awareness, and stock up on some of these gorgeous products, and help the National Breast Cancer Foundation find a cure for Breast Cancer. PS, these make thoughtful gifts too – just saying…..
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Click here for the Hope Clutch.
