Fight With Style - Breast Cancer Awareness

Elizabeth Hurley

We've seen pink carpets, pink couture and even pink football cleats all throughout October. The month may be coming to a close, but that doesn't mean efforts to raise breast cancer awareness should end along with it. Stars like avid BCA supporter Elizabeth Hurley show their dedication to the cause year round.

Liz, whose grandmother died of breast cancer, was honored this week with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Humanitarian Award. And rightfully so! The lovely face of Estée Lauder has made plenty of red carpet appearances to bring attention to the disease. It's no wonder she's such a pro at dressing in pink!

Check out other star supporters in our Breast Cancer Awareness: Support from the Stars gallery and be sure to visit our Fight With Style section.

 

Photo by: Jim Spellman/Getty Images

Breast Cancer Ribbon Pin

It's tricky to sift through all the information (and misinformation) out there about how to reduce your chances of getting breast cancer. You can't do anything about two of the biggest risk factors—being a woman and getting older. But you can take other steps. Here's a guide to what you can do:

1. Perform regular breast self-exams.
Doctors advise all women to start self-exams in their 20s. Do them once a month, the week after your period ends. You may feel awkward at first, but self-exams are worth it: Early detection of cancer is critical. "The earlier it's found, the higher the likelihood that you won't need chemotherapy. Your treatment will be less involved," says breast surgeon Jocelyn Dunn. For an in-depth video demonstration and downloadable, step-by-step instructions, click here—right now!

2. Follow your recommended mammogram schedule.
Some women get a "baseline" test at age 35, though it's not really necessary. (Only one out of eight invasive breast cancers is found in women younger than 45.) But all women should get a mammogram once a year, beginning at age 40—even if there's no cancer in your family. "Most women with breast cancer don't have a family history," says Laura L. Kruper, M.D., assistant professor and breast-cancer surgeon at City of Hope. If your sister or mother had breast cancer before menopause, you should start mammography 10 years before that relative's age of diagnosis.

3. Explore genetic tests.
Scientists think only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are the result of gene mutations inherited from a parent. But if you are an Ashkenazi Jew, or if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may want to take a test for the genetic mutations known as BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. (If male breast cancer runs in your family, you are also at higher risk for a BRCA mutation.) The test costs $3,400 and is not necessary for most women, but your insurance should cover it if you fall into an at-risk category. And take note: A federal law called GINA (for Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act) prevents discrimination against people because of differences in their DNA that may affect their health.

Photo by: shop.thebreastcancersite.com

PurpleLab SWAC Sealed With A Cure Lip Gloss, Breast Cancer Ribbon Bracelet by Lisa for Loft, Lacoste Ladies Biarritz SS Pink Rubber Strap

Things we want to buy today…

1. Shine It: Jennifer Fisher Jewelry's disc pendant, created especially for City of Hope; $150.

2. Ribbon It: Breast cancer bracelet by Lisa for Loft, to bring a vintage vibe to any outfit; $24.50.

3. Time It: Lacoste Biarritz watch, to add a pop of color while donating to breast cancer research; $195.

4. Shimmer It: PurpleLab SWAC: Sealed With A Cure gloss, so our lips can shine with real gold flecks! $18.50.

5. Feather It: Elizabeth and James for Shopbop necklace, for a trendy piece that gives back; $58.

6. Bling It: Swarovski Glam Pink cardholder, to do business in style while supporting a yoga program for breast cancer survivors; $190.

7. Write It: Erin Condren Candy Lace notecards, for a personalized way to fundraise for the cure; $40.

8. Wash It: YourTimeBodyTreats Think Pink vegan soap, to smell like fresh flowers; $5.

9. Tote It: Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Friends packable shopping bag trio, for an eco-friendly way to fight for the cause; $9.95.

10. Style It: Kenra Limited Edition Pink volume spray, to join the fight with a hair commercial-worthy 'do; $12.75.

11. Bow It: DKNY Tussah silk cardigan, for a sweet way to stay warm; $125.

For more ways to Fight With Style, head over to mystyle's Shop Pink gallery.

Photo by: b-glowing.com; anntaylorloft.com; shopapparel.lacoste.com

Denise Richards
Style Scene

Having just returned from New York Fashion Week, my expectations weren't too high for the Susan G. Komen Fashion for the Cure Benefit. I was going in order to support breast cancer and 'cause I love Diane von Furstenberg, who was showing her resort collection at the soiree. But the night turned out to be even better than my evenings at Bryant Park.

After guests sipped Hpnotiq cocktails and Jamba Juice, munched on delicious mini cupcakes and bid on a silent auction on the pink carpet, it was time to head inside Smashbox Studios for the runway show. Host of the night, Eliza Dushku, stepped onto the stage, which made me understand why Rick Fox was sitting one row in front of me (the two have been dating for a while now). After a heartwarming speech by the Dollhouse star and the evening's special guests, the runway show began.

Photo by: Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images

Breast Cancer Ribbon Pin

Want to make a difference in the fight against cancer? Explore these ideas and reach out in your community today!

Check the Web: Some great breast-cancer support can be found at City of  Hope, the American Cancer Society and the Breast Cancer Network of Strength. These groups provide information and often raise money for the cause through local walks, runs and other products and activities.

Survivors, Speak Out! "Open yourself to other women as an information source," says breast-cancer surgeon Jocelyn Dunn. "Newly diagnosed patients love to talk to other survivors for advice about what to expect from surgery and treatment."

Raise Awareness: Talk to other women about getting regular mammograms and checkups and about doing breast self-exams.

Volunteer Your Time: Find a local nonprofit center or program that helps cancer patients and let the staff put you to work where they need you most.

Cut for the Cause: Locks of Love, Beautiful Lengths and other groups can turn your lovely locks into wigs for patients who've lost their hair.

Give a Wig: If your own hair is too short to share, consider donating a wig or two to your local cancer center.

Be a Good Boss: Don't make a breast-cancer patient, who may need to go to daily chemotherapy for 33 consecutive weekdays, travel for her job.

Donate Blood: Cancer patients often need blood or platelets, says Kimberly Stump-Sutliff, R.N., an advanced oncology clinical nurse specialist and assistant medical editor for the American Cancer Society.

Get Registered: Sign up for the national bone marrow transplant registry. If you're called, know that it's not such a big deal. It's a three- to four-hour procedure that takes just a few days, says Stump-Sutliff.

Creature Comforts: DVDs, VCRs and lap afghans are always needed at treatment centers, says Stump-Sutliff.

There are lots of ways to help; this is just the beginning. We suggest you seek out the resources in your area and get creative with your volunteer efforts. One caveat: Skip the plants. There's too much bacteria in the soil, says Stump-Sutliff.

Photo by: shop.thebreastcancersite.com

Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon

Want to help a friend or loved one who has been diagnosed with breast cancer? Forget the standard vague offers: "I'm here if you need me" and "Let me know what I can do." The Breast Cancer Network of Strength suggests asking a friend, "What are the things you hate doing most?" Then take on some of those tasks. Keep reading for more ideas from caregivers and survivors...

Make Specific Offers: Say, for example, "I'm going to the store right now. What can I bring you?" says Kimberly Stump-Sutliff, R.N., an advanced oncology clinical nurse specialist and assistant medical editor for the American Cancer Society. "It's really hard to ask for help."

Play Detective: Put together a list of great doctors and other resources in your area. After Jodell Gahr was diagnosed with breast cancer, she says, "I didn't know where to turn." Research the best breast-cancer support groups and find out when and where they meet.

Chore Her Up: Mow the lawn, do laundry, run errands, gas up the car...anything to assist with the day-to-day tasks that can be overwhelming. "A friend offered to come clean my bathroom whether I wanted her to or not," says Christina Koenig, a breast-cancer survivor and spokesman for the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

Motorola Cell Phone

Pick Up the Phone: You make the calls, so she doesn't have to. That way you can take care of any long-distance charges and give your friend a chance to unload. Phone calls can really boost moods, says breast-cancer survivor June DeJonge.

Be a Driving Force: Volunteer to chauffeur your friend to chemotherapy and pick her up afterward. Many breast-cancer patients like some company after getting treatment.

Become Wig Wise: "Losing hair is the most traumatic thing," says breast-cancer surgeon Jocelyn Dunn. Get referrals for the best local wig stores and offer to go wig shopping if your friend loses her hair during chemotherapy.

Log On: Send links to good breast-cancer articles. Many patients like to read up on treatment options, from chemotherapy to prophylactic mastectomies, so they feel better prepared to make choices in the doctor's office. (Check first to make sure your friend wants the articles, though. Some women don't.)

Don't Forget the Kids: Provide babysitting and rides for her children.

Create a Cancer Care Package: A few thoughtful objects could lighten her load and brighten her mood.

Find Some Fresh Air: Go on relaxing walks with your friend whenever she's up to it.

Take Her Away: Chip in for a group gift of a weekend getaway with her closest pals—then make sure the patient doesn't have to lift a finger, suggests Koenig.

Photo by: Motorola

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Jennifer Fisher Pendant for City of Hope

Celeb jewelry designer (and breast cancer survivor) Jennifer Fisher has created this beautiful gold disc pendant to benefit City of Hope.

Watch the clip above to hear her story, then check out our Shop Pink gallery to buy the pendant now! And be sure to visit our Fight with Style section for more breast cancer resources.

Photo by: Jennifer Fisher Jewelry

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You may think you've heard it all when it comes to doing a breast self-exam, but did you know that the recommended method has recently changed?

Watch the video above for step-by-step instructions from City of Hope surgeon Laura Kruper, M.D., and then download this handy PDF for a visual guide you can take with you anywhere.

And be sure to check out the other resources in our Fight with Style section!

The information provided on this Website, including any video or brochure available on this Website, is for informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific medical advice or substitute for medical advice from a physician or other qualified medical professional.  Nothing contained on this Website, including any video or brochure available on this Website, shall create, or shall be deemed to create, a doctor-patient relationship, nor shall there be any responsibility for or assumption of any liability arising from the use of this Website, including any video or brochure available on this Website, or its contents.

Photo by: Jennifer Fisher Jewelry

Each year about 180,000 U.S. women are diagnosed with breast cancer. If your friend or family member is one of them, you can make her a tender-loving-cancer-care (TLCC) kit. We've assembled some ideas to get you started, but you know your friend best. Don't be afraid to get creative!

Informative Reference Book, such as Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book. "The Internet is often too unfiltered and overwhelming," says breast-cancer surgeon Jocelyn Dunn.

iPod Touch

Notebook With Matching Pen. That way your friend can take notes easily when she is visiting her doctors, Dunn explains. It's a great way to keep track of appointments and jot down questions and answers.

iPod or Personal DVD Player: Your friend will like being able to listen to music or watch movies during chemotherapy appointments, which can last anywhere from 30 minutes to eight hours a day for at least three weeks, says Kimberly Stump-Sutliff, R.N., an advanced oncology clinical nurse specialist and assistant medical editor for the American Cancer Society. "Anything to while away hours."

Waiting-Room Diversions: The patient will likely spend a lot of time waiting for a slew of appointments. Breast-cancer survivor Jodell Gahr suggests a crossword puzzle book to pass the time. Also try...

Fun Page-Turners: Nora Roberts or Sandra Brown, anyone? Magazines are good too.

Business-Card Holder: So your friend can easily collect business cards from all the doctors she will see.

Tote Bag: She'll need some help schlepping her many notebooks, books and other supplies, says Dunn. Find something sturdy in a cute print she'll enjoy.

Photo by: Apple

Body Type:
  • hourglass
Body Type:

Julianne Moore

Style Shout-out

While promoting her new movie, Blindness, at the Tokyo International Film Festival, Julianne Moore demonstrated she has 20/20 vision when it comes to getting dressed. The wrap style of her Balenciaga gown flatters all body shapes, magically creating coveted hourglass curves. Plus, the redhead knows what colors work best for her complexion, and magenta is definitely included on that list.

Since pink is the perfect hue to support October's Breast Cancer Awareness, we're helping you shop similar wrap steals 'n' splurges in the gallery below. Be sure to head over to mystyle's Style Shout-Out gallery for more fashionable moments.

Steals n Splurges

Mariah Carey

Has it finally dawned on the diva that she's in need of a new look? We certainly hope so, given this pink teeny-bopper number and other mishaps Mariah Carey has made here and there. In a clever campaign to market her new perfume, Mariah Carey's Luscious Pink, she's inviting contestants to design a "luscious pink" confection especially for her.

The lucky winner's design will be produced in triplicate: one for Mariah to wear on her upcoming concert tour, one to auction off for breast cancer awareness and a third for the designer's own closet. And if you don't have a designing bone in your body, don't worry. The online game has templates for you to crib.

So what are you waiting for? Mariah desperately needs you! 

Photo by: RODRIGO & LUIS GUERRA JR/©2008 RAMEY PHOTO

Breast Cancer Rhinestone Flip- Flops

Breast Cancer Awareness month is well under way, and every day we're discovering new charitable goodies. Shop for these adorable sparkly sandals and other additions to mystyle's Think Pink gallery.

And don't forget to visit our special section in which we shine a light on this very important cause year-round. 

Photo by: shop.avon.com

Coach Lexington Watch, New Balance's Lace for the Cure Sneaker,  PRVCY Tee, Murad's Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector

There's probably not one woman who hasn't been impacted by breast cancer. This disease affects women of all shapes and sizes...and personalities, too. That's why, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we've come up with philanthropic products for everyone, from the chic survivor to the athlete activist.

Shop for the cause in mystyle's Think Pink gallery,  then visit our special section devoted to breast cancer awareness year-round.

 

Photo by: coach.com, nbwebexpress.com, shopharmonylane.com, sephora.com

Garcelle Beauvais

Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon recently got a sneak peek at Emanuel Ungaro's fall collection during the HollyRod Foundation's 10th Annual DesignCare Gala in Malibu—and she loved every second of it!

Mystyle Style Class: Classic

"His clothes are a little edgy, but classy," raves Garcelle, who says the designer is responsible for making one of her favorite dresses of all time. "I have this fuschia strapless, billowy gown that just flows. It's perfect!"

But the star didn't just show up for the fashion. She's known for lending her celebrity to good causes like the HollyRod event, which raised money for those affected by debilitating diseases. Her latest project? Appearing in a Style Network Raise Your Hand and Make a Difference breast cancer awareness PSA that starts airing this month. "Anything that helps and supports women, and makes them aware of what to do, is important to me," she says.

Steals n Splurges

  • Steal

    Aquaphor Healing Ointment

    $5.99
    "Aquaphor is all-moisturizing. It's like Vaseline, but better!" says Garcelle. 

  • Splurge

    Donna Karan Cashmere Wrap Sweater

    $695
    She doesn't mind spending big bucks on cashmere like this Donna Karen wrap sweater.

Photo by: E! Networks/Comcast Entertainment Group

Emmy Rossum

Whether she's partying it up in Sin City or rubbing elbows with top designers at the biggest fashion event of the year, Emmy Rossum is always sleek and pulled together.

Mystyle Style Class: Classic

It's no wonder. The starlet takes her cue from two of the fashion world's greats: Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn. "They were both beautiful people inside and out and had very sophisticated styles," the starlet told mystyle at last night's 3.1 Phillip Lim store opening in L.A.

These iconic women may have helped shape Emmy's "very feminine and a little Old Hollywood" look, but the actress is still only 21 years old. "My style is also fun," she adds. Enter Philip Lim. "I saw the yellow and thought it was very summery and I liked that!" she says of her bumble bee-inspired outfit.

Steals n Splurges

Photo by: E! Networks/Comcast Entertainment Group
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