Question?! Answer: Ask Tuffy Luv.

Dear Tuffy Luv,

My boyfriend noticed a lump in my breast while we were fooling around. I’m so scared. I can’t sleep. I’m afraid to tell my parents. I’m at school so I could go to the clinic but I’m really scared about what they’ll say. What should I do?

Scared

Dear Scared,

Go to the clinic!!!!!!!!!

Look, it’s unlikely at your age that it’s breast cancer (which is what I’m sure you’re worried about). But you MUST get it checked.

If it is breast cancer, you want to catch it early. So go. NOW.

But stay calm. Doctors are much more effective at treating breast cancer than they used to be. Only about 3% of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer die from it, even though 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer over the course of their lives. So stay cool and go get it checked — just in case.

Reading up might make you feel better, too. But don’t use any of those crazy self-diagnostic websites!!! That shoop will make you crazy.

So, step 1: Make an appointment to see a doctor ASAP.

Step 2: Read up on Sloan Kettering’s website.

Step 3: Once you’ve been reassured that it’s not breast cancer by your doctor (which I’m sure you will be), try to avoid risky behaviors. Don’t drink too much and be sure to know your family medical history. Get regular checks and do self-exams.

The truth is, many young women have lumpy breasts. Aunt Tuffy has spent many a night obsessing over a lump. But that’s why we have doctors. Even if you have healthy young lumpboobs, keeping track of those lumps is VERY important in recognizing the bad lumps, should they appear later. ALWAYS double-check with your OB/GYN if you are at ALL concerned. You should be going every year, but, if you feel something, add in an extra appointment.

Your visit won’t be too scary, either. You’ll go in. Your OB/GYN will check your breasts. If she feels something that she’s at all worried about, she’ll send you for a sonogram or a mammogram. Sonograms are totally painless and mammograms are uncomfortable but certainly not frightening.

There’s plenty to be scared about, but you can be brave. You have to be. Keep ahead of any possible problems and solving them becomes much easier.

I leave you with a final page of great, consolidated information.

Please be well. Don’t wait.

Hearts & Skulls,

Tuffy Luv

Let me just start off by saying that this is a really not fun article to write.

This is coming from a person who really likes to have fun and this…well, this is not fun.

Yeah, it might also be unpleasant to read through, but I have to write about all the ways cancer is killing thousands and thousands of women. Awesome. Considering I’m a woman who has a long family history of all different kinds of cancers…even more awesome.

Then there is the upside to writing this: I’m educating myself about all the scary facts of life. While I can’t guarantee that the 1% will be devouring all the facts written below, I’m hoping that the other 99% of us will use some of this as a launching pad. Women – actually, everyone – should want to know about the cause and effect of cancer on our bodies.

October takes the cake for bringing awareness to breast cancer, a cancer that deeply plagues the female population. The strides that breast cancer awareness month makes toward raising money and mindfulness both helps and hurts the rest of the cancer community.

Breast cancer is not the number one cancer-killer amongst women. (Whoa! No way?) Due to the fact that breast cancer is probably the most heavily publicized and marketed of any cancer, most women seem to think it must be the most dangerous. We’ve even heard from our favorite, most notable celebrities who have come forward and discussed their bouts with breast cancer.

The problem is we haven’t heard enough about the other forms of cancer out there that namely affect women. This means one of two things: luckily, women are not being diagnosed with these vehement cancer types or, unfortunately, those we could depend on to share stories lost their battles against cancer.

We can rely on current, cutting edge research, though. After scrolling through website after website after Facebook, I mean, uh, website…. I’ve found five cancers that shake women.

1. Lung Cancer

This cancer kills more people than any other type of cancer. A startling 70,354 out of 93,893 diagnosed women died from lung cancer in 2007. Can anyone guess the leading cause of this cancer? Yup, you betcha: cigarette smoking. To give you an idea of the intense growth of this cancer, between 1930 and 1997 the number of deaths caused by this cancer increased by 600%. Lung cancer is donned the leading cancer killer amongst all other forms of cancer but it is also the leading killer in women. At least 17% of women smoke and more than 500,000 teenage girls use tobacco products. Thinking about what you can do to avoid becoming another statistic? Cut the butts. It’s a nasty habit. (Our readers should know that being a cigarette smoker puts you at risk for this cancer regardless of your age.)

2. Colon Cancer

Also known as colorectal cancer, colon cancer is the third most common cancer killer in women. Predominantly found in men and women 50+, in ’07 almost 70,000 people were diagnosed and 26,215 women died. The upside about this cancer is that there are precautions that could slice death tolls in half. Remember to go for regular screening tests when you’re 50 and people are giving you birthday cards that say “Over the hill!” Think of it like an aged version of Little Red Riding Hood: Over the hill and through the woods to the colon screening tests I go, do, do, dooo…

3. Ovarian Cancer

We are beginning to hear a lot about the causes of gynecological cancers and their affect on women. In 2010, doctors estimated they would see a total of 21,990 new cases of this cancer diagnosed resulting in 15,460 deaths. To save you all the gory details of where this cancer forms (if you’re concerned or curious, you can do research anywhere on the web), this cancer occurs as women age. Doctors have said that women who experienced fertility issues, have not had any natural children or plan to have their first child after turning 30 are an increased risk. Women who have not shown any of those symptoms can still be at risk for this cancer.

4. Endometrial Cancer (Uterine Cancer)

Out of 46,470 new cases in 2010, the death toll of females will be 8,120. Again, this cancer most commonly affects women age 50 and older. This cancer is found in the lining of the uterus whereas ovarian cancer is found in the tissue of the ovaries. The scary thing about this type of gynecologic cancer (as well as all other forms forms) is that hormones from other medication can sometimes put women at risk for these cancer types.

5. Cervical Cancer

Another gynecologic cancer, this bad girl begins in the tissues of the cervix and is generally a slow-growing cancer. Unfortunately, because it is slow moving, many women may not show symptoms, but early detection can be found with regular Pap tests. Onset is almost always caused by the HPV infection and of 12,710 new diagnoses in 2011, 4,290 women will lose their battle against this cancer. The scary thing about this cancer? Any woman who is sexually active is at risk. Here is a big tip: in most cases, you need to have HPV, HIV, or AIDS in order to present with this type of cancer. Women who smoke regularly and do not go for regular Pap tests are also at risk. If you wrap it before you tap it, you automatically decrease the risk of transference during sexy time. No glove, no love when your health is on the line.

These are the five baddest girls around. However, the most interesting piece of research I found that ran rampant through each of these cancers is that prevention could nearly cut the number of fatalities by 50% or greater, depending on individual prognosis. I don’t mean to hate on breast cancer, because obviously it is important and women need to educate themselves about causes and prevention, but awareness shouldn’t only happen in October and only with breast cancer. What about making strides for all forms of cancer?

I know, I know. It’s a lot to swallow. But there are a couple quick tips to adjust your love-style and also your life. Buy tons of stuff to wrap it, so you never have to say ‘no’ when it comes time to tap it.  Quit smoking and take up knitting.  Have your babies pre-30 so that you can spend the rest of your life lamenting your once hot bod. And maybe most important: no glove, no love, no cancer.

I hope.

The following post was written by Liz, a CollegeCandy reader and 21-year-old breast cancer survivor.

I was your typical college sophomore. I was active on campus, had a great group of friends, and kept myself busy with schoolwork. I was enjoying my time at The College of New Jersey, and felt truly blessed with an amazing life.

Then in April 2009, everything changed completely. In the midst of studying for final exams and celebrating the end of the school year, I was going back and forth between TCNJ and New York City for doctor visits. I had found a lump in my right breast, and went for tests and exams just as a precaution. Although I was optimistic and really believed I had nothing to worry about, I received the news that nobody wants to hear: I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

How could this have happened? I was only nineteen years old, with no family history of the disease, and was a healthy athlete my entire life. Weeks earlier, my toughest decisions dealt with my college course load, finding a summer job, and balancing family and friends. Flash forward and I’m being told I need surgery, months of chemotherapy, and I will have to start my junior year of college wearing a wig. I began making life-changing decisions and dealing with things no teenager should ever have to deal with.

In May of 2009 I elected to have a bilateral mastectomy, which called for the removal of both my right and left breasts. Though the cancer was only located in a tumor in my right breast, I chose to be as aggressive as possible with the surgery. I was diagnosed with this disease at age nineteen; what would stop it from coming back again in my other breast? I did not want to have to relive any of these moments, so I made one of the hardest and most important decisions of my life.

After about a month of recovery from my surgery, I began my chemotherapy treatments and the breast reconstruction process. I needed eight cycles of two different chemotherapy drugs; the entire process would last four months. In hindsight, four months is such a small, insignificant period of time. But those were the hardest four months of my life.

When I started chemotherapy, I kept asking myself, “Why did this happen to me?” “What did I do to deserve this?” I even wondered whether I would be able to get through the whole process. I relied heavily on the strength of my family and friends just to keep me going day by day.

In the days that followed, I realized “Why me” questions were pretty silly and somewhat selfish. There was nothing I could do to prevent what already happened and focusing on my past would do nothing to improve my future. The questions I needed to ask suddenly came into focus: “What do I need to do to put this behind me?” “How do I get healthy again?”

I realized that sitting around feeling sorry for myself would accomplish absolutely nothing. I was extremely fortunate; I found the lump at such an early stage that my cancer was completely curable. So I made it a point to lead as “normal” a life as I could – I went to the beach and hung out with friends when I was feeling well, and came back to TCNJ in the fall, taking three classes while finishing the last of my treatments. I put on my wig, got myself dressed every morning, and put on a happy face to let everyone know that I was doing just fine. Cancer was not going to stop me from enjoying my junior year of college.

It was certainly a tough time, but I stayed positive, and was able to push through. Looking back on the past year and half of my life, I cannot believe everything that I have accomplished. I am officially one year out of treatment, and got a clean bill of health from my doctors.

I have learned a lot about myself over the past eighteen months. I have become a stronger person, and everything has been put into perspective for me. I don’t worry so much about the small things, and enjoy every life experience much more than I ever thought I could. I also learned how important the people in my life really are. I would not have gotten through this without the support of my friends and family.

I truly believe that his happened to me for a reason; I am a survivor, and want to help spread my message to other young women. Breast cancer is not just a disease for our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers; it is affecting women younger and younger every year. And as young women we are not invincible, although at times I know we think that we are.

Take my story as a reminder to protect yourself now.

Breast Cancer.  It’s a word most of us don’t spend too much time pondering about.  After all, we are busy college students with plenty of other things on our minds and problems to address.  Problems that seem significant or monumental as they occur in our little bubble world of college. Problems like:

“Oh my god, I just gained five pounds.”
“Shoot, I shouldn’t have had that extra slice of pizza last night.”
“Ugh I didn’t make the lacrosse team.”
“Grad school applications need to be in by next week? I am so screwed.”

Thoughts such as these are more of the day-to-day troubles on our minds. But breast cancer? No, not breast cancer.  Unless someone in our family is diagnosed with the disease, why should we think about such an awful, somewhat unthinkable possibility, which is so far removed from our current existence?

Well, I propose we change this lack of breast cancer contemplation. And I have good reasons for it.

Given the explosion of childhood obesity seen in our generation, health experts across the board are predicting crisis proportions of heart disease, diabetes, and you guessed it, breast cancer.  And seeing that we just rounded out National Breast Cancer Awareness month, I think it’s important to point out that the breast cancer Grim Reaper is going to plague our generation unless we take a proactive approach to keeping ourselves healthy and motivating our loved ones to do the same.

Most of my friends think that being diagnosed with breast cancer is all about being dealt an unlucky hand.  They think that no changes they make in their lifestyle will increase or decrease their odds of getting a cancer diagnosis later in life.  However, it’s so important for you all to know that this could not be farther from the truth!  Actually, lifestyle changes can be powerful prevention tools. Very powerful.  Like Superman saving Metropolis from destruction kind of powerful.  Yup, you can be your own Superman saving your own Metropolis (your body) from Lex Luthor (breast cancer).  Except this isn’t science fiction and I really am never going to meet Tom Wellings (star of Superman on the CW). Sigh.

Anyway, studies across the board show that what we eat and how much we weigh are significant contributors to whether or not we will get breast cancer.  No joke. Early studies on breast cancer found wide international variations in disease rates.  Due to such variable breast cancer incidences among countries all over the world, scientists began to wonder if diet was playing a role in the variability.  This question resulted in further studies on breast cancer, studies which have confirmed this hypothesis.

Turns out obesity is a significant risk factor for breast cancer:

* Gaining one pound per year during adulthood can double breast cancer risk after menopause.
* Obesity alone is thought to be responsible for 17% of breast cancers.
*  Countries with higher incidences of obesity, increased soft drink consumption and excessive animal protein consumption among it’s citizens have much higher rates of breast cancer than those that don’t.
* Greater consumption of vegetables during high school and college has been associated with a decreased risk of break cancer and high glycemic index foods, like white flour products and processed foods, has been associated with increased risk.

New research is showing  the strong protective effects of natural foods against breast cancer. For instance, mushrooms have anti-estrogenic activity and regular mushroom consumption is associated with a sixty percent decrease in cancer risk. Sixty percent!  Leafy green vegetables, like kale, bok choy, watercress and spinach, as well as other green vegetables, like broccoli, contain compounds shown to inhibit cancer cell growth. Cancer of all kinds!

So, in addition to wearing a pink ribbon and giving yourself monthly breast self-exams, eat plenty of vegetables, onions and mushrooms, reduce (or eliminate!) your animal product and processed foods intake, and keep on exercising and you can be your own breast cancer Superwoman.

Maureen Dolan-Galvaniz, a local film-maker and classmate of Claudia’s, heard about her previving blog and was fascinated. Wanting to not only tell the story, but spread the word about preventative options, Maureen began working on a documentary about Claudia’s journey to surgery.

Claudia has now appeared in Ladies’ Home Journal, The Today Show, and several other media outlets, spreading the message about previving. We were lucky enough to catch up with the producer/director of the webisodes, Maureen, and get a behind the scenes look into Previve.com and what previving is all about.

How did you first hear about Claudia’s decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy?
I was out one Saturday evening with girlfriends when they started talking about this Georgetown
girl that was cutting off her breasts and blogging about it! They thought what she was doing was totally crazy – I don’t think either fully understood the BRCA mutations. I had never heard of the BRCA mutation either. I was so intrigued that I started Googling ‘Georgetown girl cuts off breasts’ when I got home. Sure enough, I came across Claudia’s blog. Claudia and I had been colleagues at Georgetown, we had taken our first documentary production class together.

Why do you think Claudia’s story needs to be told?
Because it is incredible and inspiring and touches on so many big ethical health issues. Would you want to know if you had a genetic mutation? What would you do once you found out? Should we test our children? What is life like once you know that you have an increased risk for a deadly disease? Previvors blow my mind. They are some of the most inspiring, joyous people I have ever met. For example, Claudia is so thankful that she knows that she has this genetic mutation that she doesn’t waste any time worrying about what life would be like if she didn’t. She seizes every day and doesn’t dwell on her really unfortunate mutation.

What types of information have you learned about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation since meeting Claudia and following her story?
Obviously, I’ve learned a ton. However, sites like Bright Pink and Force provide factual information about the mutation: that it raises the risk of breast cancer up to 85% in women with the mutation, that men can be carriers, etc. The sites are extremely helpful on top of all the medical advice we have been dealing with since beginning the documentary.

What has the response been like since the first webisode aired?
Positive and encouraging. People really like Claudia and want to see her journey unfold. They are so gracious – we get tons of people saying ‘thank you for connecting us’, ‘thank you for the work you do.’

Why do you feel the option of preventative surgery is important for women to be aware of if they have a genetic mutation like Claudia’s?
Women with BRCA have up to an 85% lifetime risk of getting breast cancer.  BRCA women have a genetic mutation in their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes that belong to a class of genes known as tumor suppressors. Yes – these women are extraordinarily vulnerable to breast cancer. Vigilance is always an option for young women with BRCA – this involves mammograms, breasts exams by doctors, sometimes even MRIs.

When doctors find an unusual lump in a woman with BRCA’s breast, they are more likely to biopsy it. These biopsies can be frequent and painful. Breast cancer in a BRCA woman is also more aggressive than in a woman without the mutation. For peace of mind and to dramatically decrease your risk for breast cancer (some say less than 1%), prophylactic double mastectomy might be the best option.

Why did you, personally, want to begin this project as a young female?
I really wanted to tell this story because I thought Claudia was so courageous and inspiring. Claudia and I really connected and I thought her and I could work together to tell this story the best possible way.We have similar goals: to tell a great story and get the word out there about preventative breast cancer measures. There was a great story, right here in Washington, that needed to be told, I had access to the subject and I had the know how and resources. It seemed too great an opportunity to spread the word, while making an interesting documentary, to pass up.

Why is prevention, especially for young women, so important?
Breast cancer – cancer in general – is so devastating. If we can be vigilant, take our health into our own hands, and actually do something to avoid cancer… why wouldn’t we? Women have been having prophylactic mastectomies for a long time, but it wasn’t until recently (within the last few months) that studies have come out supporting prophylactic double mastectomies.

What message do you hope the site sends young women?
That you are responsible for your own health and that you do have options. Also, that you are not alone. We have heard from so many woman who have felt isolated because of their BRCA status. If there is anything I have learned, it is that you are not alone and the BRCA community is really a sisterhood that you can tap into and feel supported.

When will the next webisode air?
October 29th… be sure to check it out at Previve.com!



So we’re halfway through October (I know, how did that happen?!) and by now you should be well aware that it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And that means 2 things:

1) We’re reminded that we really should all be feeling ourselves up more often.
2) We’re reminded of the importance of funding breast cancer research to help find a cure. And that means we race or we shop.

And since, let’s face it, we’ve all been spending the last month eating late night cheesy bread, Racing for the Cure doesn’t seem like the best choice. But pair shopping, all things pink and a good cause together,  and call me Elle Woods because I am SO there.

There is no shortage the pink goodness to go around this month – it seems like everyone’s getting in on the fun (including the NFL!). The best thing about it (besides the fact that every dollar spent helps find a cure, of course) is that a lot of stuff we’d buy anyway is going pink, so it’s never been easier to contribute to the cause. And there are also so many luxury items that we’d never splurge for on a normal day, but now we finally have a reason to!

So here are our top 10 favoritest Pink items – from coffee makers (SO cute) to Hanky Pankys to, yes, even bad ass running shoes for those in-shape ladies who choose to go all double duty and Race for the Cure. And bonus! Finally, an excuse to eat bagels. That’s right peeps: Carbs for a cause! Check out Panera Breads pink ribbon bagel! Nom nom find a cure nom.

Click on each item to buy (and support breast cancer research!)

The following post was written by Liz, a CollegeCandy reader and 21-year-old breast cancer survivor.

I was your typical college sophomore. I was active on campus, had a great group of friends, and kept myself busy with schoolwork. I was enjoying my time at The College of New Jersey, and felt truly blessed with an amazing life.

Then in April 2009, everything changed completely. In the midst of studying for final exams and celebrating the end of the school year, I was going back and forth between TCNJ and New York City for doctor visits. I had found a lump in my right breast, and went for tests and exams just as a precaution. Although I was optimistic and really believed I had nothing to worry about, I received the news that nobody wants to hear: I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

How could this have happened? I was only nineteen years old, with no family history of the disease, and was a healthy athlete my entire life. Weeks earlier, my toughest decisions dealt with my college course load, finding a summer job, and balancing family and friends. Flash forward and I’m being told I need surgery, months of chemotherapy, and I will have to start my junior year of college wearing a wig. I began making life-changing decisions and dealing with things no teenager should ever have to deal with.

In May of 2009 I elected to have a bilateral mastectomy, which called for the removal of both my right and left breasts. Though the cancer was only located in a tumor in my right breast, I chose to be as aggressive as possible with the surgery. I was diagnosed with this disease at age nineteen; what would stop it from coming back again in my other breast? I did not want to have to relive any of these moments, so I made one of the hardest and most important decisions of my life.

After about a month of recovery from my surgery, I began my chemotherapy treatments and the breast reconstruction process. I needed eight cycles of two different chemotherapy drugs; the entire process would last four months. In hindsight, four months is such a small, insignificant period of time. But those were the hardest four months of my life.

When I started chemotherapy, I kept asking myself, “Why did this happen to me?” “What did I do to deserve this?” I even wondered whether I would be able to get through the whole process. I relied heavily on the strength of my family and friends just to keep me going day by day.

In the days that followed, I realized “Why me” questions were pretty silly and somewhat selfish.  There was nothing I could do to prevent what already happened and focusing on my past would do nothing to improve my future.  The questions I needed to ask suddenly came into focus:  ”What do I need to do to put this behind me?” “How do I get healthy again?”

I realized that sitting around feeling sorry for myself would accomplish absolutely nothing. I was extremely fortunate; I found the lump at such an early stage that my cancer was completely curable.  So I made it a point to lead as “normal” a life as I could – I went to the beach and hung out with friends when I was feeling well, and came back to TCNJ in the fall, taking three classes while finishing the last of my treatments. I put on my wig, got myself dressed every morning, and put on a happy face to let everyone know that I was doing just fine. Cancer was not going to stop me from enjoying my junior year of college.

It was certainly a tough time, but I stayed positive, and was able to push through. Looking back on the past year and half of my life, I cannot believe everything that I have accomplished. I am officially one year out of treatment, and got a clean bill of health from my doctors.

I have learned a lot about myself over the past eighteen months. I have become a stronger person, and everything has been put into perspective for me. I don’t worry so much about the small things, and enjoy every life experience much more than I ever thought I could. I also learned how important the people in my life really are. I would not have gotten through this without the support of my friends and family.

I truly believe that his happened to me for a reason; I am a survivor, and want to help spread my message to other young women. Breast cancer is not just a disease for our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers; it is affecting women younger and younger every year. And as young women we are not invincible, although at times I know we think that we are.

Take my story as a reminder to protect yourself now.

Contrary to what all those fashion mags tell you, earth tones and jewel tones are not the color right now. No, maam. It’s October and the it color is pink!

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, peeps! This means that in addition to donning all your pink goodies and shopping for a (great and important) cause, there’s one thing on everyone’s mind this month: boobies. Lady lumps. Tatas. Gazongas. Head lamps.

All of this boob-talk got us thinking – first about the ever-important self-exam, then about all of the different and amazing names people have for breasts. Seriously, who knew two lumps of fat could spur such creativity?

Here are our top 20 faves. Share your own (names….not sexy pics) below!

1. Blouse muffins

2. Droopy Snoopies

3. Babaloos

4. Badoinkies

5. Chesticles

6. Rib Cushions.

7. Jahoobies

8. Magambos

9. Pushmatahs

10. Teetees

11. Whimwhams

12. Humpty dumplings

13. Super Big Gulps (???)

14. Vegas congo bongos

15. Goombas

16. Wahwahs (Did Snookie make this one up?)

17. Fun bags

18. Pinky and the Brain

19. Neeners

20. Moobs (let’s not leave the man boobs out of the equation)!

Lindsay Lohan was dating Heath Ledger!?

Tracy Morgan is raunchy. And some people are surprised?

Scandal at Cornell! (And this is JUICY.)

Nicole Richie brings her style to Bebe.

Some women will do anything for a new pair of boobs…

Glee is a giant success! (Duh. It’s awesome.)

You already know that it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What you might not know is that retailers around the country are releasing special Pink Ribbon merchandise to commemorate the occasion. Buy any of these awesome products, and a portion of the price gets donated to breast cancer research.

I’ve always known shopping to be the best form of therapy, but who knew it had the power to potentially save a life?

There are tons of awareness tie-ins out there—one site is selling everything from pink products for pets to “balloons and party supplies”—but have no fear: CC is here to let you know about the best stuff available. Here are six of our favorites:

Sony Reader Pocket Edition in Pink, $199.99

This iPod for books is much cuter than a boring old Kindle. If you buy it directly from Sony, it also comes with a gold clutch and four free inspirational books. Bonus points for the fact that this Reader owner seems to be a fan of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

Pink Ribbon Candy Bouquet, $44.95

Nothing says “I love you” like an enormous basket of chocolate. And nothing says “I honor your strength” to a cancer survivor like an enormous basket of chocolates that kicks some money to breast cancer research. Buy the bouquet—which also comes stuffed with candles and a pink bracelet—and 10% of your purchase gets donated to breast cancer screening.

Unique Vintage, various prices

Got a fancy soirée coming up? Check out the fun, vintage-inspired dresses at this website. 20% of all profits from these items will be donated to Breast Cancer awareness. This peach embroidered tulle is crying out to me.

Sonia Kashuk Beauty Curl For A Cause, $9.99

If there is one beauty product every girl needs (besides under-eye concealer) it is an eyelash curler. Giving a little extra TLC to those lashes makes your baby blues (or browns, hazels, grays, etc.) pop and sparkle. This eyelash curler, from a breast cancer survivor herself, does double duty: making you beautiful and giving back 15% of proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Yummie Tummie Tank, $62

Yes, $62 for a tank top expensive, but you really can’t put a price on looking good. And by good I mean slim, toned and totally smokin’. Yummie Tummie tanks have built in panels that suck and lift so you look a little more like Cameron Diaz (and a little less like Octomom…during the pregnancy) whether you’re going to class or out on the town. And the ladies behind the tanks are giving 50% of every tank purchased during October to breast cancer research. (That’s a LOT of money!) Look good, do good.

Mike’s Hard Pink Lemonade,$8.95

We’ve all been looking for a good reason to drink, and the guys at Mike’s Hard Lemonade have finally found one. Their special-edition pink lemonade is available for October only and gives a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer research and prevention. Bottoms up, ladies, it’s for a good cause!