The Many Reasons to Celebrate During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Louanne Roark
Executive Director, Look Good Feel Better Foundation

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a meaningful time for Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) because we know that breast cancer statistics translate into real women with real challenges. Women who are working through a cancer journey with determination and courage.

In 2023, approximately 297,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and approximately 43,000 will die from the disease.* Not surprisingly, breast cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer among women – 31% of all female cancer diagnoses – and second only to lung cancer in number of deaths. Breast cancer rates have been steadily declining since 1989, yet despite this 43% decline, breast cancer deaths in Black women remain about 40% higher than in White women, despite lower incidence.

Breast cancer patients represent the majority of the people LGFB serves, with 62% of our participants reporting they are being treated for breast cancer. We are privileged to support anyone undergoing cancer treatment, enabling them to rediscover their normal appearance, confidence and self-esteem and to find a supportive community of others going through the same thing. Our goal is to help even more people with cancer and to be there for everyone who needs us.

That’s why we invested in digital strategies in 2019 to deliver LGFB workshops. We built a digital delivery platform and expanded our reach beyond in-person workshops at cancer centers, hospitals and clinics to serve the broader cancer community via online, livestreaming technology. The goal was to replicate the magic and community of our in-person programs by virtually bringing LGFB to patients wherever they are – at home, at work and in the community, including underserved and under-resourced communities – and creating new opportunities for sharing experiences and human connection.

Little did we know that our timing was perfect. Without skipping a beat, we were able to continue offering online, livestreaming group programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This effort has only grown since. Today, we serve thousands of women every year through free in-person and virtual, livestreaming workshops; short-form Feel Better Moments streaming on social media platforms; and online resources and video tutorials on our website. Most resources are also available in Spanish.

Of course, we don’t do this work alone. We rely on the generosity of nationwide partners, volunteers and other supporters who create a positive impact beyond financial and product donations. They strengthen communities, address mental health, improve wellness, and support diversity and inclusion. From employee skill-based volunteers and fundraising to cause marketing and product and service donations, our partners elevate our ability to impact the lives of cancer patients and their families everywhere.

And we continue working hard to reach women in underserved communities. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Look Good Feel Better’s Confidence Crusade is inspiring communities to recognize that we all have a role to play in helping friends, family or acquaintances facing cancer.

We want EveryONE to help ONE person to feel empowered on their cancer journey by sharing information about LGFB’s free resources and by challenging and engaging those who are unsure how to help to do the same.

Funding from the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation will help promote the Confidence Crusade, and their generous support will enable LGFB’s free virtual workshops to provide ‘makeup confidence kits’ to even more patients (while supplies last), including those in under-resourced and underserved communities.

October is also when many of our generous partners step up to support LGFB through special company and brand initiatives and when they come together to celebrate our collective impact. On October 11 this year, the BeautyCares DreamBall Gala in New York raised more than $1.2 million to support the program, providing thousands of women with free LGFB support.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of survivorship, resiliency and hope. It is a time to acknowledge the extraordinary support from our partners, volunteers and allies. It is a moment to rekindle our commitment to ensuring hope glows for everyone for a better tomorrow.

 

For more information about Look Good Feel Better, visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

*American Cancer Society, 2023 Cancer Facts and Figures

More from PCPC

Statement by the Personal Care Products Council on California Assembly Bill 496

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 297-1232
Stefanie Harrington, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org, (202) 615-6558

Statement by the Personal Care Products Council on California Assembly Bill 496

WASHINGTON – ” The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is committed to global harmonization and policies based on the best available science. State governments increasingly make policy decisions that have a global impact affecting a wide range of industries, including the personal care and beauty sectors. California Assembly Bill 496 aligns with ingredients banned in the European Union.

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the personal care products industry continuously strive to ensure cosmetics safety. For more than a decade, PCPC and its member companies – representing some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care – worked diligently with a bipartisan group of congressional leaders and a diverse group of stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of the FDA regulatory authority and to provide the safety reassurances that consumers expect and deserve. The long-awaited Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) of 2022 adds new requirements for manufacturers and new enforcement authorities for the FDA, a significant milestone that modernizes the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, better aligns with industry innovation and contributes to global regulatory alignment.

“PCPC is the leading national trade association representing more than 600 small-, medium- and large-sized companies, including 100 that either call California home or have a presence in the state. The beauty and personal care industry is an important part of California’s economy, employing approximately 415,000 people throughout the state and contributing $28 billion to its economy.”

###

Founded in 1894, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the voice and advocate for 600 member companies representing the $529.3 billion global cosmetics and personal care products industry. PCPC’s members represent approximately 90% of the U.S. beauty industry and are some of the most beloved and trusted brands in beauty and personal care today. As manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – PCPC’s member companies are global leaders committed to safety, quality and innovation. 

More from PCPC