Looking after your health and well-being takes many forms and looks different for each person, but these small, intentional acts—whether physical, mental, or emotional—can make a big impact.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women today, with one in eight women likely to face the disease. In 2022 alone, 2.3 million women globally were diagnosed with breast cancer, with 670,000 lives lost to it.

As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Avon is empowering women to take control of their health through the #FeelYourself initiative, which encourages regular self-exams for early detection—an essential step that can be life-saving.

This initiative is part of Avon’s ongoing Breast Cancer Promise, a commitment to educate women about breast health, normalize conversations about it, and inspire proactive measures. Avon’s goal is simple yet vital: to ensure everyone knows the signs of breast cancer understands the risks, and knows how to take action.

Here are five ways to practice self-care and self-love this Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond:

1. Prioritizing self-care

In the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of true self-care. However, taking time for yourself is essential, as one can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s journaling your thoughts, reading a book, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea, making self-care a regular habit helps improve overall well-being. What matters is consistency—finding those moments to nourish your mind and soul, allowing you to recharge and feel centered.

2. Stay Active 

Physical activity offers countless benefits—not only for heart and muscle health but also for mental well-being. Exercise is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases, including breast cancer. All it takes is 30 minutes of activity, five days a week. Whether you prefer a brisk walk, a swim, or hitting the gym, staying active and pairing it with a balanced diet can make a big difference.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Stress can take a serious toll on your health. Over time, it weakens the immune system and increases the risk of illnesses, including insomnia, depression, and heart disease. A mindfulness practice—whether through focused breathing or meditation—helps relieve stress and keeps your mental health in check. Caring for your mental state is just as important as physical self-care, creating a holistic approach to wellness.

4. Pursue a hobby

Engaging in a hobby is an often overlooked aspect of self-care, yet it can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health. Whether it’s reading, painting, or enjoying a good movie, finding time for activities that bring you joy helps you recharge and adds balance to your life. It’s all about making time for what makes you feel good.

5. Conduct regular self-checks

Last but certainly not least, make regular self-checks a priority—especially when it comes to breast health. Self-exams are essential for early detection and can be life-saving. Experts recommend to #FeelYourself every month and practice boob love. 

Self-care is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to breast health, and early detection is key. When caught early, breast cancer has a 90% survival rate with the right treatment. Taking care of your body and making breast health a regular part of your routine is a life-saving act of self-care.

For over three decades, Avon has raised critical funds to support breast cancer charities and breast health screenings for millions of women across the world. In the Philippines alone, this advocacy has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of Filipinas.

Join the #BoobLove movement

This year, Avon continued its advocacy with the #FeelYourself Pink Parade—a march to stand by those affected by breast cancer and spread the message that self-care, solidarity, and awareness can make all the difference. The event was a powerful reminder that no one is alone on this journey, and every woman deserves the knowledge and support to fight breast cancer head-on.

Through the generous support and partnership with GCash, Buscopan Venus, Tough Mama, Kindred, Aetrex, Mang Inasal, NutriAsia, McDonald’s, Brooks Running Shoes, Skyflakes, and Red Ribbon, the Avon Pink Parade was able to raise Php 1 Million, and the ways the brand raises funds for breast cancer survivors and fighters do not stop there. 

GCash further supports the Avon Pink Parade to help raise funds for the Philippine Cancer Society. The leading finance super app set up a booth at the parade where users were able to receive an exclusive Php50 discount when they availed of the new GCash Visa Card. 20% of the total card sale proceeds will be donated to the cause to further help Philippine cancer patients.

Moreover, Avon continues to raise funds for breast cancer awareness for the rest of October, with multiple product offers that see Php10 donations going directly to the Philippine Cancer Society, in efforts to create a better world for women facing breast cancer.

Empower yourself this Breast Cancer Awareness Month by prioritizing self-care, staying informed, and conducting regular self-checks. Remember, #FeelYourself, and practice self-care that could save your life. For more information about Avon’s products and the causes they support, visit www.avon.ph