Cosmetics companies raise $450m for breast cancer

By Staff Reporter

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Breast cancer Cancer

The cosmetics industry has demonstrated its commitment to fighting
breast cancer by raising $450 million towards research into the
devastating disease to date, according to the Cosmetic, Toiletry,
and Fragrance Association (CTFA).

And since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, companies will be renewing their efforts by making donations on sales of special products to breast cancer charities, holding events and publicizing the pink ribbon campaign.

Around 211,240 cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2005 alone, and the industry works hard to show its concern and support.

Its efforts do not go unappreciated.

"Real progress has been made in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, benefiting tens of thousands of women each year. The collaboration of so many companies has had an enormous impact,"​ said said Diane Blum, executive director of charity Cancer Care. "These efforts are a model of how to make a real difference in the lives of American women."

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer deaths have dropped 2.3 per year since 1990. The number of women having mammograms has more than doubled since the 1980s, and over 90 percent of breast cancers are now diagnosed at early stages, when the chances of survival are highest.

"For over a decade now the cosmetics industry's awareness programs have continued to help educate women about the benefits of early detection and available services and have gained media attention and increased funding that has mobilized the clinical and medical field to push for more advancements in finding a cure,"​ said Pam Bailey, president of the CTFA.

Amongst those companies participating in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month are Avon, Mary Kay, Estee Lauder and Revlon.

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