The Estée Lauder Companies is honoring the 25th Anniversary of The Breast Cancer Campaign (formerly known as The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign) and the co-creation of the iconic pink ribbon by its visionary founder, the late Evelyn H. Lauder.


A quarter century ago, women around the world were dying from breast cancer and there was very little discussion about it. Mrs. Lauder saw an urgent need to bring breast cancer to the forefront and put a spotlight on this world health issue. In 1992, she became a pioneer for the breast cancer movement, co-creating the pink ribbon and launching The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign (The Campaign). A year later, she founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a non-profit organization, to generate funding solely dedicated to breast cancer research. Today, the pink ribbon is the ubiquitous symbol of breast health and The Campaign is a global leading voice for breast cancer, igniting a worldwide movement that has funded innovative research and awareness, and inspired meaningful action.


To mark the milestone this year, The Estée Lauder Companies has a new mission: to create a breast cancer-free world. A bold, thought-provoking visual of a tattered pink ribbon is being introduced, showing the wear and tear of 25 years of hard work, dedication and impact trying to cure this disease. It also represents the hope that in 25 years, there will be no need for a pink ribbon; breast cancer will be committed to the history books. The Campaign no longer carries the word “Awareness” as breast cancer now has the global spotlight it deserves, moving into the future with a new rally – it’s time to end breast cancer.


The Campaign—which is now active in more than 70 countries around the world, partnering with more than 60 regional organizations—has raised more than $70 million to support global research, education and medical services, funding 225 medical research grants through BCRF ($56 million from total funds raised).


“Supporting the development of critical research, driving awareness, and helping to eliminate the cultural barriers that can prevent the identification and treatment of breast cancer has been our core Company focus since my mother Evelyn H. Lauder founded The Breast Cancer Campaign 25 years ago. I am continuously humbled and energized by the passion and care exhibited by our employees and the tireless dedication of our partners—whose work is getting us closer to a global cure each and every day. As a Company, our commitment has not and will not waver,” said William P. Lauder, executive chairman of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.


The Estée Lauder Companies is launching global efforts to support The Campaign, including the largest-ever one-year commitment of $8 million in financial contributions, and a social fundraising effort in which ELC will donate $25 to fund a half-hour of breast cancer research through BCRF for every unique post on Instagram or Twitter with both #PinkRibbon25 and #ELCdonates between Sept. 15, 2017 and Oct. 31, 2017, with the goal of funding a maximum of 500 research hours.


“The Estée Lauder Companies has long been committed to making an impact on communities around the world, and our efforts through The Breast Cancer Campaign are a reflection of that purpose,” said Fabrizio Freda, president and CEO, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. “The awareness we’ve brought to the movement brings us great pride, and fuels the next – and what we hope to be the last - stage of The Campaign: ending breast cancer.”


The following brands of The Estée Lauder Companies will support The Campaign's mission: Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Bumble and bumble, Clinique, Darphin, DKNY, Donna Karan, Estée Lauder, Jo Malone London, La Mer, Lab Series, Origins, Prescriptives, Smashbox, Tom Ford Beauty and Tory Burch. Each will contribute by selling Pink Ribbon Products or making donations to BCRF and/or other charitable organizations around the world. This assortment differs by country and organization.