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Breast Cancer Campaign

The Breast Cancer Campaign

The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign (The Campaign) unites and inspires people globally in its mission to help create a breast cancer-free world for all. Founded in 1992 by the late Evelyn H. Lauder with the launch of the iconic Pink Ribbon, The Campaign is The Estée Lauder Companies’ largest corporate social impact program. Together, The Campaign and The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation have funded more than $144 million for lifesaving global research, education, and medical services with more than $114 million funding medical research through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). BCRF is dedicated to advancing the world’s most promising research to eradicate breast cancer.

Read about the The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign in Francais, Español, Italiano, 用中文阅读本页, このページを日本語で読む.




  • #1 Globally, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.1
  • 99% When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.2
  • 77% The World Health Organization estimates that (all) new cancer cases will rise 77% by 2025.1
  • 1 in 8 In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.2
  • 50 Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women under 50 in the U.S.3
  • 40 In May of 2023, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force announced it was revising its previous guidelines and is now recommending women with an average breast cancer risk receive mammograms beginning at age 40 instead of 50.2

1 World Health Organization, 2024
2 American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Facts and Figures, 2022-2023
3 The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 2024

Our Impact

Mrs. Evelyn H. Lauder partners with then Self magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Alexandra Penney, to co-create the Pink Ribbon. Evelyn launches The Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Campaign and in 1993, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

For more than 30 years, The Campaign has funded lifesaving global research through BCRF. BCRF research grants supported by ELC span the entire 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.

For The Campaign’s 30th Anniversary in 2022, The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation committed $15 million over 5 years to BCRF to fund research aimed at reducing breast cancer disparities & improving outcomes in Black women.

Elizabeth Hurley becomes Spokesmodel for The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign.

In Brazil, ELC focuses on education and giving back by hosting roundtables and volunteer opportunities with local non-profit partner America Amiga.

Evelyn H. Lauder launches The Global Landmark Illuminations Initiative to focus attention on the importance of breast health and early detection. 26 landmarks in 22 countries are symbolically lit in bright pink lights.

In China, ELC commemorated the 20th anniversary of The Campaign in 2023, announcing a 3-year partnership with China Women’s Development Foundation to launch the Breast Cancer Care Program.

More than 40 of the world's First Ladies and other dignitaries participate in the Global Landmark Illuminations Initiative, officiating at ceremonies to bathe significant global landmarks in pink lights.

In France, ELC continues to fund breast cancer research through its 20-year+ partnership with co-founded non-profit Ruban Rose.

The Ribbon of Light Campaign launches with hundreds of "human ribbons" populating parks, college campuses and plazas worldwide.

The Korean Cancer Society is ELC’s long-standing partner in Korea, where the company supports the development of public education programs and medical services for patients with limited resources.

A new initiative encourages countries and territories to designate their own World Pink Ribbon Ambassadors (WPRA), to help defeat breast cancer. First Ladies, politicians and celebrities worldwide are honored with designations.

In the United Kingdom, The Campaign continues to support London’s first-ever specialized breast cancer center, Future Dreams House, which offers personalized patient services.

The Campaign sets a first-time Guinness World Record for "Most Landmarks Illuminated for a Cause in 24 Hours."

ELC ’s Travel Retail Worldwide division continues to fund an annual research grant through BCRF focused on addressing disparities.

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