Breast Cancer Awareness month is here again, and it’s time to refocus our support for this terrible disease. Sadly, history tells us that one in eight women will be diagnosed with an invasive form of breast cancer. And while we should be supporting breast cancer research year-round, Breast Cancer Awareness month is that annual kick-in-the-pants to join in the fight.
Easy Ways to Support Breast Cancer Awareness
Showing your support for the victims of breast cancer and their families is simple. You can:
- Wear pink and/or pink ribbons.
- Add #breastcancerawarenessmonth to your social media posts.
- Drop in to local breast cancer awareness events and offer hugs and smiles to survivors, patients and their families.
- Volunteer an afternoon of your time.
- Donate to Susan G. Komen, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer or Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
- Shop at the Pink Shop or the Breast Cancer Site.
- Purchase goods that donate a portion of the sale to breast cancer research.
- Participate in a breast cancer event or walk, like the Making Strides of St. Louis event on October 28 in Forest Park.
Finding Breast Cancer Events
To find a breast cancer event near you, check Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Susan G. Women — these are the two largest organizers of BCA events. There are also many one-off local events happening throughout the country, such as:
- Sista Strut in St. Louis, MO
- Breast Cancer Awareness Ride in Schererville, IN
- Real Bears Fans Wear Pink in Chicago, IL
- Blow Away Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk in New York, NY
- City of Hope Walk for Hope in Los Angeles, CA
If you can’t find anything local that works in your schedule, then join in a virtual event like the Support Our Girls: Knock Out Breast Cancer 5K and 10K.
Shopping for Breast Cancer Walk Outfits
The next obvious question is…what to wear? The short answer is: leave the matchy Fabletics outfit at home — unless it’s this one — and don garments that also support the cause. For sure, there’s no shortage of BCA-themed sportswear. Just ask old Google Shopping for “breast cancer awareness clothes” and you’ll get a seemingly nonstop list of t-shirts and hoodies and sweatshirts. And sadly, many of these pieces are sold for profit without any kind of financial support for breast cancer research.
Now if sportswear isn’t your thing, the search is more difficult. I know, because I went in search of a more versatile, and more girly, BCA-themed outfit that actually would donate money to the cause. Here’s what I found. There are a few brands and online stores that consistently deliver cute, quality fashion and beauty products with direct support for breast cancer research:
The Breast Cancer Site
This online shop, operated by CharityUSA, donates a portion of every purchase to fund mammograms for women in need. You’ll find a nice collection of colorful dresses, tunics, sandals, boots, purses and jewelry. And the prices are reasonable. Most of the dresses, for example, are priced below $50.
Chamilia
Each year in October, Chamilia designs a limited edition collection in honor of breast cancer awareness. This year, the Chamilia team brings us sterling silver charms inscribed with “Brave” and “Strong,” and accented with pink Swarovksi crystals.
Ford
Since 1993, the American carmaker has raised more than $130 million dollars for breast cancer charities through its Warriors in Pink organization. The Warriors in Pink online shop donates 100% of the net proceeds.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks’ Key to the Cure Charity enlists the help of big names in fashion and entertainment to promote the sale of its Key to the Cure T-shirt. This year, Angela Missoni designed the top, and Jennifer Lopez is the campaign ambassador. You can find the $35 Missoni t-shirt at Saks stores, and 100% of the proceeds are donated to 12 different cancer charities.
Again, there are many more BCA-themed shops and products out there, but these are the best ones I found that venture outside of sportswear.
My Breast Cancer Walk Outfit
Dress
This is the Kanapali Mist Sleeveless Dress from TheBreasterCancerSite.com. The price is $29.95 and it’s so colorful and detailed! The fabric is very lightweight, so you could wear this with leggings underneath or even a unitard. And, because the dress has a full cut without much bulk, you could add a belt to change up the look a bit.
Bag
If you’re going on a breast cancer walk, you need a tote to carry water and snacks, right? Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America Foundation (CFDA), New York City and NYC & Company partnered up to create this sturdy cotton tote. Sales benefit Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, an initiative of the CFDA. Find it on QVC for $50.
Necklace
I put my Chamilia Brave and Strong charm on a necklace, but it will work as well on a bracelet. The charm retails for $45 and you can find it while supplies last at Chamilia.com.
Shoes
Take Flight Dragonfly Sandals retail for $24.95 and they’re available on TheBreastCancerSite.com.
Eye Makeup
The Estee Lauder Knockout Eyes Collection has eight colors of shadow, a liner and a mascara. And, Estee Lauder donates 100% of the suggested retail price to Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every one of these kits sold. They’re $35 and you can find them at Ulta, Macy’s and Dillard’s.
There you go — head to toe in products that support women’s breast health. Now there’s no saying you have nothing to wear to a breast cancer walk!