• About Bright Pink
• Educate
• Community
• Get Involved

About Bright Pink

Be Brilliant. Be Bold. Be Bright Pink. Bright Pink is a national non-profit organization that provides education, support and a sense of community to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. We arm young women with knowledge, options and a great attitude, and offer companionship and empathy during their journey. We empower them to take control of their breast and ovarian health and in turn, grant them the freedom and peace of mind to live a beautiful and fulfilling life.

About Bright Pink founder, Lindsay Avner

Be Bright About Your Breast and Ovarian Health

Did you know that breast cancer is a leading caner diagnosis in women, and ovarian cancer is the deadliest cancer in women? All women have at least a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. If you have family members who have had breast or ovarian cancer, your risk is higher. For some people, these cancers seem to run in the family. Sometimes it is because mutated genes (the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes) that dramatically increase the risk of developing cancer have been passed down to you from you mother or father. Women who carry these genes can have up to an 87% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and up to a 54% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. The good news is, while you are young and healthy, you have the opportunity to be proactive with your health! Unlike your mother's generation, you can develop a strategy to reduce your risk or detect cancer early, while it is still treatable.

What can your family history tell you about your risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer?

One in eight women (approximately 12%) will develop breast cancer in her lifetime and one in 100 (1-2%) will develop ovarian caner. However, if you have a mother, sister or daughter who has had one of these diseases, the risk is doubled (approximately 20-30% lifetime risk for developing breast cancer and 4-7% risk of developing ovarian cancer.) If a genetic mutation is detected, a woman's lifetime risk for developing breast cancer can be up to 87% and up to 54% for ovarian cancer.

Recommendations for breast and ovarian cancer early detection and prevention for women with no family history of breast/ovarian cancer.

1. Do self breast exams every month in order to get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts.

2. Have a doctor do a breast/pelvic exam every year beginning at age 20.

3. Beginning at age 40, you should have an annual mammogram.

4. Consider taking oral contraceptives while in your 20s and 30s to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.

Recommendations for breast and ovarian cancer early detection and prevention for women who have a mother, sister or daughter with breast/ovarian cancer (but no gene mutation.)

1. Do self breast exams every month in order to get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts.

2. Have a doctor do a breast/pelvic exam every year beginning at age 20.

3. Beginning at age 40, you should have an annual mammogram.

4. Consider taking oral contraceptives while in your 20s and 30s to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.

5. Talk to your doctor about whether additional screening (such as a yearly MRI) is necessary.

Recommendations for breast and ovarian cancer early detection and prevention for women who have a family history and a BRCA genetic mutation.

In families with a BRCA mutation, cancers often happen much earlier, so it is important to have a detailed strategy in place to eiter detect the cancer early or prevent it altogether. In addition to incorporating the recommendations previously mentioned, women who carry a mutation canc choose one of several opions depending on their own preferences and lifestyle. Some women choose to increase diagnostic testing to try to detact a cancer earlier, by undergoing more frequent mammorams, breast MRIs, clinical exams, ovarian ultrasounds and blood tests. Some women choose to take hormones such as tamoxifen, raloxifene or oral contraceptives to decrease their risk fo developing cancer. Some women choose to have surgery to remove their ovaries (oopherectomy) or breast tissue (mastectomy) to significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer. A health care provider or genetic counselor can assist you in determining the proper team of doctors to oversee your care and help you determine a plan that is right for you. These are complex, difficult decisions and it is essential, when debating them, to seek out support and professional counseling.

Remember, you know your body better than anyone else. If you notice anything different, say something!

Statistically, the chances of a woman developing breast or ovarian cancer in her 20s or 30s are not overwhelmingly high, even in high-risk populations. However, it does happen. And if it happens to you, those statistics are irrelevant. That is why it is critical, even at a young age, to know how these cancers can present themselves.

Symptoms of breast cancer:

- Lump, pain, welling, soreness or a rash

-Bloody drainage from the nipple or dimpling or puckering of nipple

-Change in the size, shape or contour of either breast.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer:

-Prolonged bloating

-Increased abdominal size/girth

-Persistent feeling of indigestion.

If you notice any of these changes, be sure to talk to your doctor. While these changes can happen for other reasons and may not necessarily indicate cancer, it is best to make sure you bring them to your doctor's attention so he/she can determine the cause. Also, remember that you know your body better than anyone, and you are responsible for ensuring that you get the quality of care you deserve. You should never shy away from asking questions or seeking a second opinion. For more information on breast or ovarian cancer risk and how to be proactive with your help, visit Bright Pink here.

Community

With an array of dynamic and exciting programs and services, we provide education, support and a sense of community for a better, brighter future.

PinkPal

PinkPal provides one-on-one peer support to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer by pairing them with another young woman who has had similar experiences and can relate to their individual stories. PinkPal does not provide medical advice or consultations but does provide a safe environment for young women at high risk to talk about their situations and offer peer support.

The Little Bright Book

We designed The Little Bright Book as an educational guide to provide young women with information about their breast and ovarian cancer risk, as well as how they can be proactive with their health. Its unique design and concept allow it to stand apart from the other informational brochures found at the doctor’s office. It is also the first comprehensive piece of literature directly focused on piquing the interest of young women and providing them with all the necessary elements to develop a strategy to become proactive with their breast/ovarian health. The Little Bright Book is distributed to OB/GYN, surgeon, genetic counslor and other medical professional offices across the country. For more information on the Little Bright Book, click here.

Outreach Sessions

Bright Pink is not your mother’s breast cancer organization, and, therefore, we have developed a fun alternative to the conventional support group. Our Outreach Sessions are arranged for young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer and include a fun activity and a relaxed discussion on a topic of importance to the young women at the session. Past activities have ranged from yoga classes to jewelry making, and we never cease to have an amazing time and a great discussion! Bright Pink currently has organized chapters that have Outreach Sessions in Chicago, NYC, Connecticut, St. Louis, Atlanta, San Diego, Cincinatti and Washington DC. If you are interested in getting involved in one of these chapters or starting a new chapter in your community, please email Sarah@BeBrightPink.org.

Forum

On bebrightpink.org, we provide an interactive online forum for anyone to post any questions and thoughts on anything related to breast and ovarian cancer and being at high risk. Our forum is a great way for members to connect with the Bright Pink Community, allowing our girls to bounce ideas off one another and to attain advice from those in similar situations. Visit our Forum by clicking here.

Breast Self-Exam Email Reminder

The Breast Self-Exam Email Reminder is a great tool to help keep girls on a consistent schedule with their monthly breast self-exams. Participants elect to receive a reminder at a specific time of the month that works best for them, making it a great way for Bright Pink to help young women become more proactive with their health. Sign up to receive monthly breast self exam reminders by clicking here here.

Educational Programs

As a Susan G. Komen® grantee, Bright Pink conducts Breast/Ovarian Health 101 educational sessions to educate young women about breast and ovarian cancer risk factors and how to be proactive with your breast and ovarian health. These hour-long sessions are presented by by an OB/GYN, a genetic counselor and a high-risk young woman and are followed by a pink cupcake and champagne reception

Get Involved

Become a Bright Pink Girl: Educate yourself on how you can be proactive with your breast and ovarian health and live healthy and proactively! Join one of our local chapters, or get in touch to learn more about volunteer opportunities. We are always looking for bright new women to join the Bright Pink family!

Donate or Fundraise for Bright Pink: Make a tax-deductible monetary donation in honor or in memory of a special woman in your life by clicking here: link to BeBrightPink.org/donate.html. Host a Bright Pink fundraiser in your community or integrate a Bright Pink fundraiser into your next work event, baby shower, bachlorette party or "girls night in.

Spark the Discussion with Family Members: Find out from your family members which relatives have had cancer or have been tested for a genetic mutation. Remember that both men and women can cary and pass on mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, so be sure to examine your father's side just as closely as your mother's side. Be Proactive About Your Health: Reduce your risk of cancer by living a healthy lifestyle. Eating a low-fat diet, exercising regularly and limiting your alchohol intake are believed to decrease your risk of developing cancer to some degree. Doing regular breast self exams and knowing what is normal for your body can help you identify any changes should they arise. And, if something doesn't feel right, speak up!

Find a Doctor You Trust: Talk to your doctor about strategies to reduce your risk. If you don't think your doctor is answering all of your questions, find a doctor who will. A good doctor should be able to provide you with a thorough surviellance, diagnostic, and risk-reduction strategy, or refer you to a specialist who can. Remember, no one has a greater responsibility to take care of your body than you do.

Keep an Upbeat and Positive Attitude: A positive attitude can have a profound impact on how you deal with your risk. Knowing your risk does not mae you a victim, but makes you a powerful advocate for your own health. Surround yourself with positive people who build you up instead of those who bring you down.

Spread the Message to Other Women: Be sure to tell the women in your life how they can be proactive with their health. Your leadership can help empower others to take control of their choices and obtain the medical attention they deserve.