Pink October: why Versatile supports Ruban Rose
La Versateam
Every year in October, pink takes over the streets, shop windows and social media. Pink October is the month of mobilization against breast cancer. At Versatile, this fight doesn't last just one month. It's been part of our story since day one.
What is Pink October?
Pink October is an annual campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer screening and raise funds for research. In France, it has been led since 1994 by the Ruban Rose association, founded under the name “Le Cancer du Sein, Parlons-en !” (“Breast cancer: let's talk about it!”).
Its symbol, the pink ribbon, has become universal. Its message comes down to two words: prevention and screening.
Breast cancer in numbers
- 61,214 new cases in mainland France in 2023.
- It's the most common cancer in women: one third of all cancers in women.
- 88% of women are alive 5 years after diagnosis.
- Mortality is falling by an average of 1.5% per year.
Source: French National Cancer Institute (INCa). We owe this progress to research and early screening.
Why Versatile supports Ruban Rose
For a very personal reason. The father of our founder Coralie, Professor Thierry Frébourg, was a geneticist. He devoted his life to genetics, rare diseases and cancer, and was committed to breast cancer research for more than 15 years. He firmly believed that “prevention is better than cure.”
He passed away far too soon in March 2021, a few months before Versatile launched. His cause became ours.
Our commitment, in concrete terms
We donate 3% of our profits to the Ruban Rose association to fund research. In four years, we're proud to have donated around €40,000.
Not just in October. All year round. Every perfume, every body care product, every box you buy from us contributes to this commitment. All our commitments are detailed on the Our commitments page.
Screening: what you need to know
We're not doctors, so we'll let the official sources speak:
- In France, women aged 50 to 74 with no particular risk factors are invited every 2 years for a screening mammogram.
- This mammogram is 100% covered by French national health insurance (Assurance Maladie), with nothing to pay upfront.
- Before 50, or if you have a family history, talk to your doctor or gynecologist.
More information on ameli.fr (in French).
What can you do?
- Talk about it with the people around you. With your mother, your sisters, your friends, your coworkers. We all have a woman in our lives.
- Get screened, or remind the women you love to do it.
- Support research by donating directly to Ruban Rose.
Smell good, feel good
We often say it at Versatile: a perfume is also a small wellness ritual. A moment for yourself, a gentle anchor in a busy day. If this October weighs on you, or on someone you love, take care of yourself. And take care of others.
#forabetterscent
FAQ
When is Pink October?
Every year, from October 1 to 31.
What share of its profits does Versatile donate to Ruban Rose?
3% of our profits, all year round. Around €40,000 has been donated over four years.
At what age should you get a screening mammogram?
In France, organized screening is for women aged 50 to 74, every 2 years. Before 50, or if you have a particular risk, ask your doctor for advice.
