​ The iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge was illuminated pink on Tuesday night to mark the launch of the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign spearheaded by international skincare company Estee’ Lauder and the City of Joburg.
 
This year the awareness campaign is celebrated under the theme “Courage. Believe in a world without breast cancer”, highlights Estee Lauder’s 20 year committment to defeating breast cancer through education and medical research.
 
In 2000, the company started a campaign to illuminate notable landmarks all over the world to call attention to breast health and early detection in order to save lives. In 2010, the campaign earned a Guinness World Record for most landmarks illuminated for a cause in 24 hours.
 
The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development Nonceba Molwele said the City intended to take forward the cause that was Evelyn Lauder’s passion – highlighting the challenge of breast cancer.
 
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Molwele said the City would, as part of its GDS 2040 vision, work hard towards the eradication of poverty so that the health of the community could be improved.
 
“This is because of the realisation that there is a direct correlation between poor health and poverty. We are annually building and extending our clinics so there can be easy access to quality healthcare. We are also encouraging the clinics to have food gardens where permits space,” she said.
 
“If breast cancer is detected early, there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival. Even if you feel healthy now, just being a woman and getting older puts you at risk of breast cancer,” Molwele said.
 
She reminded women that they could reduce the risk of contracting breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, drinking less alcohol, being physically active and breastfeeding. She also encouraged them to go for breast cancer screening through mammography, genetic screening and ultra sound.
 
The Look Good and Feel Better Foundation, which has for the past 20 years helped 17 350 women affected by breast cancer, was given a R400 000 donation to continue its work.
 
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Estee’ Lauder Human Resources Director Heather Harrington said the foundation held workshops to make patients feel good by providing them with makeup and skincare products.
 
Sue Fox, Estee’ Lauder International Managing Director, said $380 million had been raised worldwide to support breast cancer in 70 countries. More than 150 million ribbons have also been distributed worldwide.
 
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