Elizabeth Hurley: Breast Cancer Is a ‘Disease That Knows No Boundaries’

Stylewatch Style News Now

10/01/2013 at 10:00 AM ET

Courtesy of Elizabeth Hurley Beach

If you are even a casual voter in our “Last Night’s Look: Love It or Leave It” gallery, you’ve undoubtedly seen Elizabeth Hurley in a dress in her favorite shade: pink. That’s because she’s a tireless representative for the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness campaign — a role she’s had since 1995, when she began modeling for the company.

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“I have been part of such an amazing effort to carry on Evelyn Lauder’s mission to defeat breast cancer,” Hurley tells PEOPLE of the ongoing efforts made by the campaign — notably, raising $ 48 million over the past 20 years to go towards research and awareness projects. “This year, The BCA Campaign is committed to raising $ 5 million to support breast cancer research, education and medical services globally. Each and every dollar, and hour, committed to research will be a step closer to eradicating this unyielding disease.”

Another major initiative Hurley has undertaken as a spokesperson for the BCA Campaign: Coming up with a new shade of lipstick bearing her name each year that benefits the cause. “There have been so many beautiful shades of pink over the years but I am especially excited about this year’s Pink Ribbon lip collection. It comes in a very stylish two-toned pink clutch that is perfect to carry anywhere you go. And I’m proud to say that Estée Lauder will donate 20% from every sale to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.”

In addition to fundraising, the actress practices healthy living (think: Exercise and eating organic meat she raises on her own farm) and advocates for education for all. “Women everywhere need to take better care of themselves during the ongoing search for a cure,” she says. “Very simply, many women may know the facts about breast cancer, yet have not been sufficiently motivated to change their behavior.”

And part of that motivation, she hopes, will be the Estée Lauder Companies’ latest initiative, We’re Stronger Together, which encourages women to start “circles of strength” and tag friends and family on social media to encourage them to participate in actions which could help raise money or awareness of the disease.

Visit the site today to learn more about it, and tell us: How do you celebrate BCA month? Will you be spreading the word?

–Alex Apatoff