By Leslie Ordinario
 
Manila, Philippines – Did you know that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime?
 
In 2019, Filipina women are even more vulnerable as it was estimated that the Philippines has the highest prevalence of the disease in Asia (https://bit.ly/3ffR2PX) and the ninth highest in the world. The following year, breast cancer was still one of the top 2 most common among Filipino women, according to a study published on Pubmed.gov (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35959499/), with the majority diagnosed at advanced stages.
 
This alarming rate is most likely caused by low health literacy and gendered socio-cultural pressures, including the absence of organized national screening programs. Fortunately, early detection of symptoms has helped patients with a 90% survival rate through immediate treatment and medication.
 
This is why every year during October, the world observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month to encourage more people to know more about this indiscriminate disease and be more proactive in regular self-checks that can help detect preliminary symptoms.
 
Global beauty brand Avon has been one of the most prominent brands that support this cause, now marking three decades of being at the forefront of the fight against the disease since launching the Breast Cancer Crusade in the UK in 1992.
 
Through the support of over five million representatives worldwide, associates, customers, and the Avon Foundation for Women, the beauty brand has donated more than US$947 million to breast cancer-related causes, educated over 180 million people about the disease, and funded screenings for approximately 16.6 million women over the last three decades.
 
This year, Avon continues this worthy cause with a global campaign encouraging everyone to discover what’s #NormalForMe by asking themselves: what three words best describe their boobs?
 
The campaign invites women to know their normal by coming up with three words according to how their breasts usually look and feel and sharing those three words and the initiative to inspire others to also regularly check themselves. Knowing one’s normal can prevent potentially life-threatening changes that can lead to breast cancer.
 
The brand also encouraged their local Avon Representatives to take advantage of the free clinical breast examinations at select branches, which took place last October 17 in Taft/San Fernando, October 21 in Shaw Blvd. and Batangas, and October 31 in Cebu and Davao—in partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society and to ensure that this advocacy is internalized.
 
On October 19 and 20, associates at the Avon Head Office in Makati were encouraged to take advantage of complimentary breast exams.
 
Finally, Avon extends this advocacy to a larger network and invites everyone to pick it up by supporting products and services from Avon and partner brands to raise awareness and raise funds on behalf of the Philippine Cancer Society.
 
Save lives by shopping for dedicated fundraising products like the Self-Check Watch, Mariposa 2-in-1 Accessory Giftset, Avon Empower Non-Wire Mastectomy Bra, and the Avon Empower Bra Prosthesis. Purchase these items via Avonshop.ph or contact an Avon representative.
 
You may also donate any amount directly via GCash by scanning the QR.
 
Interested parties can also participate in the fundraiser through various partners:
 
Food Panda:Use "AVONFP50" to donate and enjoy a discount for every checkout only until October 31.
 
"For the last 30 years, we’ve committed to this cause to raise funds and awareness to help more women to join the initiative to battle Breast Cancer not just for themselves, but also for their loved ones," shares Avon Head of Communications for Philippines & APAC, Marion Limlengco.
 
"This is why we’ll always push for everyone to know the signs, know the risks, and know how to take action because early detection will help save lives."
 
All proceeds will be donated to Avon’s partner beneficiary, the Philippine Cancer Society, which also offers consultation should you spot a lump or need more help in screening your breasts and pecs.
 
For more information about Avon’s #NormalForMe campaign, please visit bit.ly/avonbreastcancerpromise. Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and shop your favorite Avon products at www.avonshop.ph or contact your local Avon Representative.