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Sure, it may seem like there’s a national or global day for everything these days, but a quick read of some key statistics about Breast Cancer Awareness Month can really make your inner cynic step aside.

For starters, thanks to investment in research, there are now drug combinations that can help treat resistant breast cancers, as well as treatments that selectively destroy cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed.

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It’s also the second most common cancer in Canada, after lung cancer — and the most commonly diagnosed in women. So, this month, don’t scoff at the pink-hued landscape of products that support breast cancer awareness and research; help fund hope instead.

We discover five products that do just that:

The OG

You probably know that Estée Lauder Companies is a longtime supporter of breast cancer research, but did you know that its founder, Evelyn H. Lauder, actually started the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in 1993 and created the pink ribbon as its symbol?

Pay homage to her efforts and help support its mission of creating a world free of breast cancer with Estée Lauder’s annual limited-edition Pink Ribbon Advanced Night Repair Serum, a signature product from the brand that reduces lines, firms skin, evens skin tone, strengthens, hydrates, enhances radiance and supplies antioxidants — effectively acting as seven sera in one.

Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com | $152

Follow your nose

While these candles themselves won’t directly benefit breast cancer awareness or research, they’re a lovely, stylish reminder of Kitchen Stuff Plus’s 11-year partnership with Rethink Breast Cancer, the Canadian charity that focuses on historically underserved groups (people diagnosed at a younger age, those with metastatic breast cancer and systemically marginalized peoples).

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Get them online and make a donation of your choice to Rethink Breast Cancer at checkout; Kitchen Stuff Plus will make a minimum donation of $10,000.

Kitchen Stuff Plus, kitchenstuffplus.com | $9.99 each

Be adorned

Toronto-based jewelry brand Biko is known and loved for its modern, sculptural esthetic — think Paloma Picasso but Canadian and more affordably priced.

This month, 20 per cent of orders will go to Rethink Breast Cancer.

We love everything about the new Overflow collection, especially this Collette choker in gold, which features an oversized, bean-like pendant on a sleek-yet-chunky chain.

Biko, ilovebiko.com | $322

Support network

It only makes sense that a bra retailer supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month, right?

Founded in 2002, the Roses of Hope Foundation was set up by La Vie en Rose to support initiatives such as breast cancer research and organizations that help women affected by the disease.

This month, its biannual Be Your Own Breast Friend campaign will see $10 from each slogan T-shirt and pink ribbon beanie sold donated to the foundation, as well as $1 for every bra sold.

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In another show of support for those affected by breast cancer, La Vie en Rose also has an exclusive collection of elegant mastectomy bras, Muse, which is sold online (with permanent free shipping), but can be tried on in-store.

La Vie en Rose, lavieenrose.com | $59.95

On Wednesdays we are pink

Not everyone loves wearing pink, but when it’s a cosy-chic, hand knit turtleneck or smart blazer by Smythe, we’re betting there are a few takers out there.

The Canadian designer brand has partnered with Rethink Breast Cancer since 2017 and, this year, has two special-edition items to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month: this Handknit Sleeveless Turtleneck, and the Duchess Blazer, sales of which will see $35 and $50, respectively, donated to support the organization’s patient support program.

Smythe, shopsmythe.com | $495

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