October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we’re supporting the search for a cure with a donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. At DERMAFLASH, our commitment to supporting the fight against breast cancer runs deep. Our founder, Dara Levy, was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in 2024. Dara received treatment, and thanks to advances in research, she now counts herself as one of the 4 million+ breast cancer survivors in the U.S. (Read more about her story here.)
In honor of Dara and all women who’ve experienced breast cancer, this October we’re donating 25% of net sales from all Pop Pink LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning devices sold on our website to the BCRF. We’re a woman-founded and women-led company, and we’re determined to do our part to end this disease once and for all.
Why we support the BCRF
We choose to give to the BCRF because, like all of us here at DERMAFLASH, they believe in the power of proof. Founded by the esteemed Evelyn Lauder and Dr. Larry Norton, the BCRF has a clearly stated mission: To prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research. Since 1993, their cutting-edge research, clinical trials and dedication to their mission have uncovered valuable insights about causes, treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
It was BCRF scientists who made the discovery that breast cancer is not just one disease, but several different subtypes, which develop and respond to treatments in different manners. “Today, patients diagnosed with the disease are not given the same treatments; their tumors are profiled and staged to inform the exact right therapies and care plans that best suit their type of breast cancer. Still, because breast cancer is such a complex collection of diseases, there is much more to uncover through further research,” says the BCRF.
BCRF researchers are also working hard to understand the role that genetics and lifestyle play in developing breast cancer, and to develop targeted therapies that harness the power of your own immune system to help fight cancer cells.
How to reduce your risk
According to the BCRF, approximately 2.3 million women around the world were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. It’s the most common cancer in women, with 1 diagnosis occurring every 14 seconds.
While it’s true that some risk factors can’t be controlled—such as your genetics, family history and breast density, to name a few—it is possible to take steps to reduce your lifetime risk. The BCRF lays out clear recommendations you can follow:
Limit your consumption of alcohol: The BCRF states that even moderate alcohol consumption (1 drink per day) is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. And women who have 2-3 drinks per day have a 20% higher risk than those who don’t drink.
Stop smoking! If you’re still smoking, now’s the time to kick the habit! Not only do women who smoke have twice the risk of developing lung cancer as men, according to Weill Cornell, smoking is also linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Move your body. According to the BCRF, “Cardio and strength training can not only help people maintain a healthy body weight—especially when coupled with a balanced diet—but can also improve outcomes and reduce recurrence after a breast cancer diagnosis.” The Cleveland Clinic found that in a review of 73 different studies, there was an average risk reduction of 25% in people who work out regularly. Aim for 30 minutes a day, and remember, that doesn’t mean you have to spend your life at the gym! Walking, gardening and dancing are all ways you can get your heart rate up and build muscle.
Eat mindfully (more plants, less meat). The BCRF recommends eating a diet with balanced mix of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and reducing your consumption of red meat, animal fats and processed meats—which are correlated with a higher risk of not just breast cancer, but also stomach and colorectal cancer.
What other steps can I take?
It goes without saying that if you notice any changes in your breasts, see your doctor right away. It’s also crucial to talk to your doctor to find out at what age you should start getting regular mammograms. The U.S. Preventative Task Force recommends that “all women get screened for breast cancer every other year starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74.” However, depending on your personal medical history and family history, you may need to begin at an earlier age or have more frequent screenings. As always, talk to your doctor to find out what’s best for you.
And if you’re at the age where regular mammograms are recommended, make sure you book those appointments! We understand, it’s all too easy to get caught up with work and family and busy schedules and life in general. But we can’t stress this enough… screenings save lives by catching breast cancer in earlier stages when it’s easier to treat.