The Power of Pink

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. We get behind Estée Lauder Companies’ legacy in championing breast cancer awareness, how far its come, and what else there is to do.
Reading Time: 6 minutes

Every October, the symbol of the pink ribbon becomes a powerful presence wherever we look, in pop culture, in campaigns, down to local communities, and among our own circles, highlighting the ongoing fight against breast cancer. 

Through the years of consistent efforts, the pink ribbon—and what it entails—has become more and more apparent for most of us: a call for awareness, early detection, and support for those battling the disease. Events centered around the pink ribbon have played a crucial role in educating the public and inspiring greater involvement in this important cause.

One brand that has been at the forefront of this movement is Estée Lauder Companies. For decades, they have been a pioneering and inspiring force in the fight for a breast cancer-free world. Their unwavering commitment to creating meaningful, community-driven change has left a lasting impact. Estée Lauder Companies’ events have proven to be not only informative but transformative, offering valuable lessons on how to support and empower those affected by breast cancer.

Creating a Global Movement

It all began in 1992 when Evelyn H. Lauder recognized the urgent need for open conversations and safe spaces to discuss breast cancer. She envisioned a world where women could detect the disease early, destigmatize health discussions, and take action. Her dream sparked what is now a global movement.

Evelyn H. Lauder co-created the iconic pink ribbon and launched The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign (The Campaign), igniting a global movement that inspired countless companies to follow suit. Driven by her passion, she brought together people and organizations worldwide to make a difference. Recognizing the crucial need for research funding, Lauder founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), which remains the Campaign’s leading non-profit partner, working relentlessly to advance the most promising research in the fight against breast cancer.

In 1992, Evelyn H. Lauder envisioned a world where women could detect the disease early, destigmatize health discussions, and take action.

Lauder’s legacy lives on, and her unwavering dedication to raising awareness about breast cancer forms the foundation for a healthier future for all. To date, The Campaign and the Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation have raised over US$131 million for lifesaving research, education, and medical services globally, with more than US$103 million directly supporting vital research through BCRF. Today, the Campaign supports more than 60 organizations worldwide, each addressing the unique needs of their local communities.

A Reality Check

Since the 1980s, breast cancer mortality rates among women globally have dropped by 43 percent, thanks to earlier detection and better treatment courses available. While there is undoubtedly progress, much work remains to be done.

Still the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, breast cancer affects many women and their families to this day. The Estée Lauder Companies sees this and knows that the work and legacy must continue, especially since the impact greatly differs across populations and backgrounds. “A one-size-fits-all approach to screening recommendations creates vulnerable populations,” shares Dr. Dorraya El-Ashry, chief scientific officer of the BCRF.

THE PINK BALL. Estée Lauder Companies hosts The Pink Ball, a charity dinner in support of the cause.

In 2023, medical professionals have revised previous guidelines on regular mammograms to now recommend that women with an average breast cancer risk receive these tests beginning at age 40, instead of the previous age of 50. This change came to be as diagnoses in women under 50 have climbed in recent years. This news is concerning and demonstrates how there is a continued need to raise awareness and make a true call for action and education.

Breast Cancer Research In Action

Advancing possibilities through life-saving research, BCRF grants span the continuum of breast cancer research—from understanding basic cell biology to developing new diagnostic tests and enhancing patient quality-of-life, during and after treatment. The BCRF has been deeply involved in every major breakthrough in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and metastasis.

“My mother, Evelyn Lauder, said that if we were to ever find a cure for breast cancer—it would have to be done through the collaborative efforts of many. ELC’s employees, consumers, and partners, as well as brilliant science researchers, are dedicated to making my mother’s dream of a world without breast cancer a reality. I am inspired by the commitment of so many to her mission of saving lives,” says William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman for The Estée Lauder Companies.

On being a part of The Campaign herself, Elizabeth Hurley, Global Ambassador for Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign shares: “I’ve personally witnessed the profound impact ELC’s Breast Cancer Campaign has made since Evelyn [Lauder] asked me to join her, shortly after its founding. Its mission resonated because I had recently lost my grandmother to the disease. She never wanted to speak about her diagnosis until it was too late. I knew that through The Campaign, we could change the conversation and help save lives—and we have. Today, this remains some of my most meaningful work and the advancements must continue.”

Through the 30-year-and counting partnership between ELC and BCRF, advancements have been made that contributed to improving precision medicine by identifying new therapeutic targets, exploring the mechanisms behind metastatic breast cancer to help understand why these cells spread and how to stop them, expanding understanding of triple-negative breast cancer—the most aggressive form of the disease, improving the quality of life for patients experiencing the life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer, and a myriad of other advancements in breast cancer research, education, and medical services.

Pink Month: The Campaign in the Philippines

In line with the global mission to create a breast cancer-free world for all, The Estée Lauder Companies has raised, to date, almost P40 million to support the following causes—providing free mammograms for underprivileged women, rehabilitating the East Avenue Medical Center, and providing the much-needed bio-hood equipment at the Philippine General Hospital.

To mark the 32nd anniversary of the campaign in the country, ELC Philippines unites with St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation Inc. to increase breast cancer awareness, expand access to free breast screening, and support high risk individuals in their journey towards early detection and prevention.

To kick off Pink Month, ELC Philippines, in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cares conducted a press preview event at SM Aura where several breast cancer advocates and medical experts shared their knowledge, testimonials, and experiences with the guests. On-site, there had also been free clinical breast examinations done together in partnership with doctors from the St. Luke’s Medical Center.

This was followed with the SM Mall of Asia Globe, the Time Sculpture at SM Megamall, SM Lanang Fountain, SM Aura Facade, The Cube at SM Seaside Cebu, Megaworld Uptown Bonifacio, St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City and BGC, and Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) and The Victor and The Bridgetown Bridge all lighting up in pink to ignite hope and strengthen The Campaign’s messages across the country.

LIGHT IN THE DARK. Key mall destinations nationwide light up in pink.

On October 4, to honor those touched by the disease, ELC Philippines continued its partnership with Kasuso Foundation and ICanServe Foundation to host a special event for breast cancer survivors and patient support workers, featuring wellness talks and pampering sessions, care of ELC employees who volunteered.

On October 6th, The Pink Ball was held for the benefit of St. Luke’s Medical Foundation Inc., where ELC Philippines was able to raise an incredible P9.65 million with the support of Kaye Tinga, Tessa Prieto, Tim Yap, Yaparazzi, One Mega Group, and Shangri-La The Fort. Funds from this charity dinner go to support the organization’s program of expanding access to free breast screening through a mobile clinic and reducing the incidence of breast cancer in underserved communities.

Throughout the month of October, ELC Philippines also aims to spearhead breast cancer awareness and literacy, and does so by a series of educational talks to the company’s employees and business partners, focused on the importance of early detection—showing how you can always create a safe space to talk about breast cancer and break the stigma of discussing women’s health issues.

Beyond October, there is still so much work that can be done and efforts we can pour in to fight breast cancer. Support the cause For more information about The Estée Lauder Companies’ Legacy and Campaign to end breast cancer, visit ELCompanies.com/BreastCancerCampaign

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