The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) commence their Breast Cancer Campaign under the theme #TimeToEndBreastCancer, in Kenya for the month of October 2023. A series of activities will be taking place over the 30 days, including a Look Good Feel-Good wellness gathering at Faraja Cancer Support Trust, recognising frontline healthcare workers giving care to patients and sponsoring up to 200 mammogram appointments in Mombasa as well as in the outskirts and central locations of Nairobi.
Over the last three decades, the world has undergone tremendous change, but The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) have remained steadfast in their commitment to create a brighter future for those affected by breast cancer. In 1992, Evelyn H. Lauder co-created the Pink Ribbon and initiated The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign (The Campaign), sparking a global movement dedicated to the mission of a breast cancer-free world. The Estée Lauder Companies reaffirm their commitment to supporting breast cancer awareness, research, and healthcare in Kenya.
Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge in Kenya, with statistics highlighting the urgency of the cause. According to recent data, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Kenya, accounting for approximately 38% of all new cancer cases in the country. Furthermore, breast cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Kenyan women. These statistics underscore the critical importance of continued efforts to raise awareness and provide support for breast cancer patients and their families in Kenya.
Since its inception, The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign, in partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®(BCRF), has achieved remarkable milestones. Together, they have funded more than $118 million globally for life-saving research, education, and medical services. Notably, more than $93 million has been dedicated to funding medical research grants through BCRF. The Campaign’s support has enabled BCRF researchers to make significant breakthroughs in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, contributing to a 43% decrease in breast cancer mortality rates among women in the United States since the late 1980s.
In Kenya, The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign aims to have a tangible impact by supporting various initiatives:
Funding Medical Research and Fellowships: The Campaign supports vital research and fellowships dedicated to understanding breast cancer. in the Kenyan context.
Addressing Disparities: It identifies and addresses disparities in breast cancer care across Kenya, ensuring that all communities have access to necessary resources.
Breast Health Education: The Campaign promotes conversations on the importance of breast health education and early detection through discussions between the breast cancer community, medical experts, and key opinion leaders.
Supporting Care Centers: It aids in the development and maintenance of care centers dedicated to treating and supporting breast cancer patients in Kenya e.g the Faraja Cancer Support Trust in Nairobi and Eldoret, as well as the Bwire Ndubi Warriors Foundation in Mombasa.
Access to Mammograms and Screenings: The Campaign funds medical resources and services, including mammograms and screenings for underserved groups with limited access to healthcare.
Awareness Spreading: It has distributed more than 180 million Pink Ribbons worldwide to raise awareness of the disease and its impact.
Support Programs: The Campaign positively impacts the lives of people with breast cancer and their families by providing support, therapy, and counselling programs.
“The Estée Lauder Companies supports research, education, and access to medical services to continue improving the lives of the global breast cancer community. Together we can beautifully be united to help end breast cancer,” Kay Matseba, Estée Lauder – Sub Saharan Africa, Business Development Manager.