How You Can Support Breast Cancer Awareness in October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a cause that is close to my heart because I work with a couple of general surgeons who treat patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Every other week, I sit in a room full of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and plastic surgeons, where each case of newly diagnosed breast cancer is discussed, and where mammograms, breast ultrasounds, breast MRIs, and biopsy results are discussed in detail.

Some of those patients discussed in that Breast Conference are my patients. Well, not technically my patients, but I do work closely with the surgeon(s) who take care of these patients, from initial consultation through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. I truly love seeing my patient’s overcome a year of hell, battling for their lives, and coming out of this fight against breast cancer as survivors!

“About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 61,000 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. About 2,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2016. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000.” (Source: Breast Cancer Statistics)

So when October rolls around and I see all of the cool pink products for Breast Cancer Awareness, I usually purchase a few things to support the cause.

Bloomingdales

S’Well pink bottles {$25-35}

Estee Lauder Breast Cancer Awareness Palette Gift Set {$35}

Tory Burch Breast Cancer Awareness Eau de Parfum Rollerball Limited Edition {$29}

Nordstrom

Nashelle BCA Mini Stamp Charm {$22}

Kohls

Sketchers GOrun Ride 4 Breast Cancer Running Shoes {$64.99, online only}

Neiman Marcus

Le Metier de Beaute NM Exclusive Breast Cancer Kaliedoscope {$95}

Avon

Breast Cancer Floral Tote (no longer for sale)

Breast Cancer Crusade Sweet Cherry Blossom Candle {$10}

Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Sunglasses {$12, currently on sale}

Saks Fifth Avenue

Nest Fragrances Passion Breast Cancer Awareness Candle {$38}

Ulta

SMASHBOX Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer {$20}

Love & Hope Bangle Bracelets {$5}

Purchase one of these pink products or join Lands’ End Pink Thread Project. Just add a pink monogram to any available style (vests, cardigans, tote bags, pullovers, scarves, or fleece throw) and they will donate $4.50 of every $6 monogram fee directly to Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Many fashion designers contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness by selling pink products. Here’s a few to check out:

Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Fund for Cancer Care and Prevention
Bobbi Brown & Estee Lauder Companies’ BCA Campaign
Donna Karan Breast Cancer Awareness fragrances
QVC “FFANY Shoes on Sale” Event, Oct. 20th, 6-9 pm EST

It seems like everyone knows someone, or knows someone who knows someone, who has been affected by breast cancer. Support a good cause. Honor a breast cancer fighter or a breast cancer survivor by volunteering to work during a Komen race, or run/walk your local Komen race.

Yours Truly,
Vanessa