Each October, we recognise Breast Cancer Awareness Month as an opportunity to join together in support of a cause that touches far too many lives around the world. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, globally.
My life was personally touched when my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer many years ago and has continued to be touched as I've supported friends and loved ones through their diagnoses and personal journeys. Sadly, I know, and we all know, so many women who have been affected by this disease and while we've come a long way, there's still so much work to be done.
During the past 20 years, I've had the pleasure of traveling the world to spread messages about breast health, education and the importance of medical research to find a cure, and I've felt such a strong, universal desire and need to make a difference in this fight that truly spans countries, languages and experiences. The reality is, that while we shine a light on efforts every October, this disease affects women and their loved ones each month of the year and we all have a responsibility to continue to support the cause long after those 31 days come to a close.
I've been so inspired by all the different ways that people take action to help defeat breast cancer, whether in their own lives or to help those around them. From volunteering at local events to participating in walks or runs in honor of someone special, it's been incredibly touching to experience the collective impact of seemingly simple, everyday gestures and I can't help but imagine what this world would be like if that momentum sustained throughout the year.
This year, I'm proud to spread the word about how meaningful every action really can be as we all work together to do our part to eliminate breast cancer from our lives. For the past 20 years, I've had the privilege of helping to raise global awareness with The Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Campaign and today, I'm honored to bring attention to the importance of action.
The BCA Campaign is harnessing the power of all our efforts with the new call-to-action, "Every Action Counts. What's Yours?" This new global campaign, living on BCAcampaign.com and on social media @BCAcampaign with #BCAstrength, is designed to inspire people everywhere by showcasing and spotlighting every action, no matter how big or small, being taken by people around the world in the fight against breast cancer, not just in October, but year-round.
Actions as simple as reminding friends to schedule their yearly appointments, making sure to eat healthy or offering to run errands and cook meals are all simple things that we can do in our daily lives throughout the year to make a difference. Together, our actions can have significantly greater impact. Together, we can defeat breast cancer. What action will you take to help bring us closer to a world without this disease? Visit BCAcampaign.com to share how you're taking action and inspire people around the world to do the same. Each and every action brings us one step closer to the day when breast cancer is a thing of the past.
Elizabeth Hurley is an actress, model, swimwear designer, farmer and mom. Since becoming The Global Ambassador for The Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Campaign more than 20 years ago, the timeless beauty has embraced the late Evelyn H. Lauder's passion for speaking openly about the importance of breast health and raising funds globally for research to find a cure.