Thinking pink to combat breast cancer

Every October, major breast cancer charities organise international health campaigns to increase awareness of the disease and in particular to remind women of the importance of early detection, as today almost 80 per cent of breast cancer cases can be cured if they are diagnosed in the early stages.

Joining them this year is Elemis, the luxury British spa and skincare brand, which is hosting the “Elemis Think Pink Campaign” to promote regular breast checks as well as raise funds for research.

“Every year in the UK, 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, which is equivalent to one person every 10 minutes,” says Clair Davidson, export development manager with the Elemis Spa at the St Regis Hotel, Bangkok.

Figures released by Thailand’s National Cancer Institute show that breast cancer is the most common cancer, with an estimated 37 per cent of women affected and 765 new patients recorded in 2009. It’s also the number one killer of women.

The statistics also shows that most of the new patients are from Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom.

“We are not doctors so our efforts for breast cancer, apart from raising funds to support research and care, consist of raising awareness. We’ve also developed a product that helps women do daily breast checks as well as a specialist treatment to combat the signs of ageing on the face, neck, and bust,” Davidson adds.

This year Elemis UK is pledging 10,000 pounds (Bt484,000) to the Breast Cancer Care Organisation while Elemis Thailand is donating 10 per cent of sales from its Think Pink Beauty Kit and the Think Pink Treatment Limited Edition to the Thanyarak Breast Foundation.

“We’ve done the Think Pink Campaign every year in the UK and it’s so nice that our distributor is now doing this in Thailand,” says Davidson.

Customers at the Elemis Spa, St. Regis Bangkok will receive an extra benefit too this month, as the limited edition treatment will be performed by Sara Watkins, a senior Elemis educator and practitioner visiting from London. Watkins will also be offering lifestyle and nutrition consultations throughout October.

Under Watkins’ care, guests can be assured of total relaxation. The treatment starts with a facial skin analysis using the brand’s Face Mapping technology and continues with a Pro-Collagen and Quartz Lift Facial to smooth, tighten and firm the neck and chest.

Next, the face, neck and decollete? receive a milky cleanse, followed by cellular detox and exfoliation plus an anti-ageing intensive serum and advanced pro-collagen mask. An eye renewal treatment is included to smooth fine lines and reduce dark circles. The session finishes with a specialised application of Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment for Neck and Bust.

The Think Pink Beauty Kit to use at home offers a collection of three skincare products presented in a “Think Pink” beauty case cube; Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust Boob Tube, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and Exotic Frangipani Monoi Bath and Shower Cream.

“The skin area on the chest is different from the rest of the body; it is very delicate. Our Boob Tube give you natural firming. Apply two to three pumps on the hand, warm it in your palm, and apply upwards on the chest to neck,” says Davidson.

“The Elemis 5 Step Breast Check, created by the Department of Health, helps you become more aware of how your breasts look and feel, and especially the appearance of any abnormal lumps.

“What I like much about this kit is the shower cream. The creamy texture allows you to do your check in the shower,” she says.

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- The must-have “Think Pink Beauty Kit” is selling at Bt2,500, down from its normal price of Bt5,500. The “Elemis Think Pink Treatment goes for Bt4,900 and includes a complimentary Bt500 voucher for any Elemis product.
- Both are available at Elemis Spa at the St.Regis Bangkok. Call (02) 207 7779 or visit www.ElemisSpaBangkok.com
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