SELF Magazine's Pink Ribbon Celebrates it's 20th Anniversary

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the international symbol for awareness and prevention...pink ribbon created by SELF magazine, celebrates is 20th anniversary. SELF's Features Director, Sara Austin joins us to tell us about it, plus some of her picks of the best brands that are doing their part to give back!

Sara tells us that a lot of people don't realize that SELF actually created the Pink ribbon and they are super proud to have been the founders and are even more thrilled about the progress that's been made for women. The breast cancer mortality rate has dropped by 30%, and the five year survival rate when breast cancer is caught early is now 98%. The Pink Ribbon has made a huge difference: more and better screenings, and funding millions of dollars for treatment research! Check out Self.com or SELF's Facebook page for a cool 20 year timeline of major milestones of the Pink Ribbon's 20 years, and to share a digital pink ribbon with friends. And there have been a lot scientific advances, so hopefully soon there will be a cure. In the meantime, Sara there are some great tips women should follow to reduce their risk for cancer. SELF's Women's Cancer Handbook includes the new Pink Ribbon goal -- to prevent cancer before it ever starts. It's called Living Pink...tweet @SELFMagazine with hashtag #LivePink to get in on it. The good news is that the same things that help reduce your cancer risk are things that keep you be healthier overall, every day. For example, Sara suggests eating lots of veggies! A new study shows that materials from plant foods, called microRNA, may block cancer genes which could prevent tumors. And, regular physical activity protects against breast, colon and lung cancers.

Another thing everyone should do is support the cause. Every cent that goes toward research and other support services is a good thing. There are tons of products out there that when you purchase, you make an automatic contribution. Evelyn Lauder cofounded the Pink Ribbon with SELF and her tremendous legacy of medical research and education continues to inspire the magazine. All Estee Lauder beauty brands offer special products to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, like the Evelyn Lauder Dream Pin. It's $12.50 and 20% goes to BCRF.

Sara says physical activity (walking the dog and cleaning the house count!) reduces your risk for breast, colon and lung cancers, so get moving! Christina Applegate, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 years ago, teamed with Asics for some awesome hot pink running sneakers and other cool items. Benefits Applegate's fund, Right Action for Women, which assists women who are at increased risk for breast cancer.