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October is upon us: the crisp air has begun to fill our lungs, nightfall arrives a bit sooner, and leaves will dance and branches will shake as the wind howls. Our favorite October pastime? Marveling in the aesthetics of foliage. Although, this month beckons another color to mind that scales away from the autumnal norm: pink.
In the heart of autumn lays Breast Cancer Awareness. And in celebration of the month, the Estée Lauder Companies have launched the 2015 Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Campaign; a mission to support educational and medical breast cancer research. In doing so, the Estée Lauder brands packaged fan favorites such as Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Origins, Lab Series, Smashbox and more, with pink ribbon detailing to help fight the leading cancer for women.
A fraction of the products proceeds will go towards funding research. Every $25 raised funds 1/2 an hour of research, $50 for an hour and so on. So far, the brands collectively raised enough to launch an early phase breast cancer vaccine trial. They’ve also improved methods to assist adolescents with a family history, and, have dedicated time to researching the effects of obesity in correlation to the cancers likeliness.
While some of the brands didn’t specialty package products, they generously donated to the cause. Brands such as Tom Ford and Jo Malone donated thousands to the research efforts prior to todays cosmetic and skincare releases.
While you’re out shopping your local Macy’s today; here’re some of the Pink Ribbon products to look out for:
Let’s look at the facts:
A common misconception is breast cancer is gender specific. Incorrect. Men are not immune to breast cancer. Though the risk may be significantly lower, you’re still vulnerable. The American Cancer Society reports the male lifetime risk is 1 in 1,000, as opposed to females, where the risk for developing breast cancer is prodigiously 1 in 8.
Besides indulging in beauty products for a benevolent cause, you can do yourself the biggest favor and get checked out. We spoke to renowned, Breast Cancer Surgeon, Dr. Tracy-Ann Moo, on the topic of awareness and she offered plenty of insight.
When dealing with breast risk, Dr. Moo stated, “The most important thing is awareness, and that can cover several areas: One, you should generally be aware of your family history and particularly those family members who have had breast cancer. First degree relatives such as your mother or your sister will have the highest influence on your risk of developing breast cancer.” This not only benefits you, but it also enables your doctors to gauge your risk and assist them in terms of screenings. Dr. Moo continues, “You can be screened as a normal risk patient or high risk patient.”
Dr. Moo stresses the importance of bodily awareness as well, “This includes doing monthly breast exams, or what we call, ‘breast self awareness’; where you regularly feel your breasts, so you know what they feel like and you can detect a change, if one were to happen.”
Screening is recommended for the general population, beginning at age forty. It should be performed annually with mammography, sometimes, an ultrasound, and a breast exam by your primary physician.
Obesity plays an active role as well, Dr. Moo recommends maintaining a body mass index within the normal range. “Fat cells convert androgens to estrogen, increase your circulating estrogen levels, and that tends to increase your risk.” Maintaining a healthy weight stems from a healthy diet, one rich in fruits and vegetables.
Adhere to Dr. Moo’s emphasis on personal awareness, and follow the hashtag #BCAstrength to learn more about The BCA Campaign.
*Tracy-Ann Moo, MD is an Assistant Professor of Surgery and Assistant Program Director of Surgical Education at Weill Cornell Medical College. She is an Attending Surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. An experienced board-certified surgeon, Dr. Moo specializes in the treatment of breast cancer.*
Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder Companies/BCA Campaign
By: Yasmine Rimawi