My awareness of breast cancer was pretty minimal until my mother came home one afternoon and told us all the news we never wanted to hear - she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. That was over 10 years ago, and today, she is as fit as a fiddle due to early diagnosis. I am thankful that our situation turned out alright in the end.

Ever since 1992 Evelyn H. Lauder has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of the disease via Estee Lauder Companies’ and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 1 in 9 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2007, worldwide, over 1.3 million people were diagnosed with this dreadful disease. Early detection can literally save lives!

In 1993, I began the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to address a crucial lack of funding for coordinated translational research, especially clinical research, for breast cancer. The Foundation, an independent, non-for profit 501 (c)(3) organization, supports scientists at leading medical centres worldwide whose research is focused on achieving prevention and cure for breast cancer in our lifetime. A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs.

To date, BCRF has raised over $250 million, and in October 2009, $34 million was awarded to 166 scientists across the United States and in Australia, Canada, Latin America, the Middle East, and throughout Europe. For the eighth consecutive year, BCRF received Charity Navigator’s highest rating of four stars. In addition, the American Institute of Philanthropy has awarded BCRF its highest possible rating of A+. BCRF is the only breast cancer organization in the U.S. to receive these accolades.” -Evelyn H. Lauder

Some of the Estee Lauder Companies brands, including Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Darphin, Donna Karan. Estee Lauder, Jo Malone, Creme de la Mer and Origins, will be supporting breast cancer awareness month with on counter information materials, pink ribbons and an array of special pink products raising money for the cause. Our favourites are the Origins Peace of Mind (nationwide) £11 where £2 from each sale goes directly to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation research study at The Institute of Cancer Research at The Royal Marsden and Clinique’s ‘Special Edition’ Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion £35 where £2 is also donated (exclusively sold in Selfridges).

Elizabeth Hurley on Breast Cancer Awareness

London’s very own City Hall will be lit pink on the 22nd October as well as other famous buildings across the world.

Please go down to your local cosmetic counter and support the ‘World Pink’ campaign or for more information vist Estee Lauder Breast Cancer Awarness website.