RAY - WASHINGTON FRONTS L'OREAL'S CANCER CAMPAIGN

WASHINGTON FRONTS L'OREAL'S CANCER CAMPAIGN

RAY actress KERRY WASHINGTON was inspired by her cancer survivor mother to front cosmetics giant L'Oreal's new awareness campaign for ovarian cancer.
The star features in the Color of Hope campaign, aimed at encouraging more women to get checked out for signs of the disease.
Washington didn't think twice about joining L'Oreal, partly because she wanted to teach others about the risks of ovarian cancer, but also because she was impressed at the company's charitable contributions.
She tells OK! magazine, "One of the reasons why I decided to work with L'Oreal is because of all the philanthropic work that they do in the community. I feel like they're not a company that tries to take advantage of women’s insecurities by making women feel not good enough so they have to go and buy makeup to feel good about themselves. Instead, they really believe in the work of women and that women deserve to look good and feel good every single day.
"And part of that is health and their commitment to women’s health and ovarian cancer. They are really leading the way. It’s frightening how we don't have the kind of research and development that we need for ovarian cancer. When it comes to breast cancer, we know how to do early detection. The research is there, but for ovarian cancer, that just doesn't exist and by the time people know, it’s too late.
"My mum is a breast cancer survivor and part of the reason she is a survivor is because of early detection so I understand the importance of early detection. If it wasn't for the advancements in technology that allow for early detection in breast cancer, I probably wouldn't have my mother today."
Three items have been launched for the Color of Hope campaign - a lipstick, a bag and a necklace - with all proceeds going towards the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.