Avon and Breast Cancer: The History

• In 2008, the ‘Call for the Cure’ phone number was launched which automatically added $2 to each caller’s phone bill as a donation to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.
• In the fall of 2006, Representatives planted 140,000 pink tulip bulbs in public
  gardens during ‘Tulip Tribute’ events to symbolize life, charity and hope. Follow-up
  Tulip events were also held in the spring of 2007 when the pink tulips were in full
  bloom.
  
• In 2003, to mark the 10th anniversary of the Avon Crusade, Avon Canada published
  “Reasons for Hope”, a collection of personal stories by Canadians about how
  breast cancer touched their lives. All net profits from the sale of the book went to the
  CBCRA.
  
• In 2001, the Avon Flame Bear pink ribbon product raised $1.5 million – the most
  financially successful fundraiser to date.
  
• In 2000, Avon Canada set the goal of raising $1 million in one day to raise
  awareness of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.
  
• In 1997 Avon Canada became an official partner of what is now called the Canadian
  Breast Cancer Research Alliance (CBCRA), at which time it became the only breast
  cancer organization that, to this day, receives direct funding from the Avon Flame Foundation.
  
• All funds raised by Avon Canada for breast cancer research are administered by the Avon Flame Foundation, which was created in 1999.

The Realities about Breast Cancer in Canada

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women.
  
• In 2009, an estimated 22,700 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,400 will die of it.
  
• One in 9 women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. One in 28 will die of it.
  
• An estimated 170 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 50 will die of it.

The good news…

• Breast cancer death rates have declined in all ages combined and in every age group since at least the mid 1990s.
  
• Incidence and death rates for breast cancer have declined since 1969 in women aged 20-39.
  
• There is increased awareness about important steps that reduce the risks of breast cancer, including breast self-examinations and better lifestyle choices.
  
• More women than ever before in Canada are surviving breast cancer thanks to better awareness, better treatments and better screening.

Click here to find out more from the Canadian Cancer Society.