October is the Breast Cancer Awareness month and I want this article to be a reminder for you to get your breast checked, if you haven’t. Do prioritize your health and look out for your loved ones as well.

Cancer does not recognize age, race nor gender. Every 15 seconds, somewhere in the world, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.¹ It is the second most common cancer overall.² Men are also touched by the disease – their lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 833.6³

Every 15 seconds, somewhere in the world, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.

WHY IS THIS YEAR DIFFERENT?

This year, breast cancer hit real close to home. Unfortunately, one of my best friends was diagnosed with breast cancer. Luckily for her, she found out at the very early stage but, she still had to go through mastectomy for preventive measure.

When we got the news from her, we were in shock! It caught us off-guard and we don’t know what to say nor do at first. I can only imagine what she was going through. It wasn’t just emotional anxiety but there was also financial stress.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

That day when we found out about her issue, we gathered at her home and find out more about her plans and actions. I don’t wish this to happen to anyone, but as much as this is the first time she’s going through such issue, it was our first time dealing with such affair as well.

My friend did a lot of reading, research and reached out to survivors to get further information on treatments. As friends, we became a support group to her.

One of us came up with a list of things to help her go through this rough time. It range from books, body lotion, sour plums for nausea days and even a wig for hair loss after the chemotherapy. We even pulled together some funds to get her supplements and fresh produce to be sent to her once a week, because she needs to heal and get healthier. We took turns to be with her at the hospital when she was going through her chemotherapy sessions.

ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES CAN HELP TOO

For 27 years, The Estée Lauder Companies has inspired action, funding the world’s leading research to bring us closer to a cure and bringing a global level of awareness to the disease. It’s #TimeToEndBreastCancer.

Mortality rates from breast cancer have declined by 40% among women since the late 1980’s⁴ and BCRF-funded researchers have been involved in every major breakthrough in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign in Malaysia is proud to support the following non-profit organizations. Each one plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis, support, research and education of breast cancer.

1. Breast Cancer Welfare Association, Malaysia (BCWA)
   BCWA was founded in 1986 by medical specialists who realized the need for peer support for women with breast cancer. It is an independent tax-exempt voluntary organization registered with the Registrar of Societies in Malaysia, and a member of the International Union against Cancer (UICC) and Reach to Recovery International (RRI). For more info please visit https://www.breastcancer.org.my
2. Cancer Research Malaysia (CRM)
   Focusing on the genetic and environmental risk factors in Asians that causes common cancers such as breast cancer, this independent non-profit cancer research organization looks at Malaysia’s rich biodiversity in search for a cure. More info at https://www.cancerresearch.my
3. College of Radiology, Malaysia (CoR)
   A non-profit professional body comprising clinical radiologists, clinical oncologists, medical physicists and allied professionals. It aims to improve the quality of patient care and to support and facilitate research for the future of radiology/biomedical imaging, nuclear medicine and clinical oncology. For more info please visit https://www.radiologymalaysia.org
4. National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM)
   Providing the best possible care and support for those affected by cancer. And to support the early detection and prevention of cancer. For more info please visit https://www.cancer.org.my

2019 BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES

First and foremost, I would like to emphasize again to go for your yearly medical check or a breast check if you have not done it yet. I usually go to BP Healthcare for my yearly medical check.

Other activities lineup by Estée Lauder Companies for this breast cancer awareness month are:

#TIMETOENDBREASTCANCER PINK MOBILE TOUR (2-26 OCTOBER 2019)
Throughout the month of October 2019, The Estée Lauder Companies Malaysia will be travelling around the Klang Valley and Peninsular Malaysia to rally Malaysians to take action in eradicating this disease. Visitor will be able to learn more about breast cancer, show their support for the cause and donate to the National Cancer Society. 

FEEL BETTER WORKSHOP (15 OCTOBER 2019)
The Estée Lauder Companies Malaysia invites Breast Cancer survivors to celebrate a day of confidence-building with activities such as makeup, hairstyling and photography session. The invited Breast Cancer survivors will also experience Sound Bath therapy – a deeply immersive, full-body listening experience. It is an opportunity to explore what a meditative state is, how it feels and can be beneficial for both beginners of meditation and experienced meditators. The goal of the experience is to invite deep rest and relaxation, healing and self-discovery.

PINK HOPE HI-TEA
Enjoy a charming tea set, while enjoying the scenic views of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Lake Gardens at The Lounge, Hilton Kuala Lumpur. The three-tier set of sweet and savory delights consist of pastries, sandwiches, baked goodies, and many more. Every hi-tea set is accompanied by a premium selection of tea blends from all over the world and is perfect for small gatherings and intimate get-togethers. For every RM148nett, RM30 will be contributed by Hilton Kuala Lumpur to The Estée Lauder Companies Malaysia Breast Cancer Campaign beneficiaries.

1. Estée Lauder Limited Edition Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II with Pink Ribbon Bracelet, RM435.00
This is our #1 repair serum that maximizes the power of the skin’s night-time renewal for smooth, radiant and younger-looking skin. This limited-edition product comes with a pink ribbon bracelet. Available exclusively at Estee Lauder Store, Pavilion KL, esteelauder.com.my and LazMall.

2. La Mer The Treatment Lotion, RM390.00
Join La Mer in support of The Estée Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Campaign with the limited- edition, travel size La Mer The Treatment Lotion retailing at RM390. La Mer will donate 20% from the purchase price to selected breast cancer beneficiaries in Malaysia. Available exclusively at La Mer Suria KLCC and La Mer Gurney Plaza Store from 1st Sept 19.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

I hope this post could help you understand the importance in taking care of your health. Also, if you know of a family member or a friend who is in need of support, try your best to be there for them. A little goes a long way.

Since October is the breast cancer awareness month, have you done your breast check?

*Information provided by Estée Lauder Companies are stated. Pictures, views and opinions are my own, otherwise stated.

1.Source: GLOBOCAN 2018 Breast Cancer Report, International Agency for Research on Cancer (http://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/cancers/20-Breast-fact-sheet.pdf)
2.Source: GLOBOCAN 2018 Report via World Cancer Research Fund, Breast Cancer Statistics (https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-trends/breast-cancer-statistics)
3.Source: American Cancer Society 2019 Key Statistics for Breast Cancer in Men (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer-in-men/about/key-statistics.html)
4.Source: American Cancer Society, 2019 Trends in Breast Cancer Deaths
(http://cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html)