Today, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, the deadliest, but also the one that is best treated. Detected early, there is a 9 in 10 chance that this disease can be cured within 5 years of diagnosis. To mark Pink October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we explain the key information to know and the habits to adopt for early detection.

A disease that concerns all of us

One in 8 women will unfortunately develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Each year, approximately 60,000 cases are detected in France. The average age of detection is 63, but cancer can affect much younger women: every year, about 3,000 cases are diagnosed in women under 40.

Some cancers are linked to genetic mutations: they account for 5 to 10% of cases. Transmitted at birth, these genes drastically increase the risk of developing cancer. If you think you are genetically predisposed, especially if several cases have occurred in your family circle, oncogenetic consultations can be offered to you.

Several proven factors can promote the appearance of breast cancer: smoking, alcohol consumption (more than 6 glasses per week), lack of physical activity, early puberty, and late menopause.

Screening to save lives

It is important to monitor closely any breast changes that seem abnormal to you in order to be screened as early as possible. The earlier the disease is detected, the higher the cure rate; the treatment is generally much less aggressive and leads to fewer after-effects.

During your annual appointments with your gynecologist or midwife, your health professional must absolutely perform a clinical examination of your chest and armpits, in order to detect any anomaly.

It is also very simple to perform self-palpation every month. This self-examination allows you, first and foremost, to better understand the anatomy of your breasts, and thus to identify a persistent breast change more quickly. 3 main body changes should alert you: change in shape (presence of a lump or palpable mass, appearance of dimples), texture and pigmentation of the skin (thickening, orange peel appearance, redness), and the nipple (unusual discharge, retraction). If you detect one of these signs, speak to your doctor quickly. Be aware that not all breast lumps are a sign of cancer: in 4 out of 5 cases, lumps remain completely benign.

Between 50 and 74 years of age, the risk of developing breast cancer is higher. It is therefore strongly advised to have a mammography every 2 years, which is 100% covered by social security.

Raise awareness to better fight

As every year, the Ruban Rose (Pink Ribbon) association dedicates the month of October to breast cancer awareness. Created in 1994 by the Estée Lauder France group and Marie Claire magazine, this association implements initiatives to alert, educate, and establish a real dialogue around this disease. The Ruban Rose Award also helps to raise funds for scientific research.

In order to contribute and support research in our own way, during this October, we are donating 100% of the sales profits from our Pink October Kit to the Ruban Rose association. Specially created for the occasion as a limited edition, this duo consists of the Multi-Purpose Balm with cotton flower scent in 30ml format and the unscented Sensitive Skin Deodorant. We offer it at the gentle price of €21.90: support this fight while pampering yourself with 100% natural products, good for you and our planet.