October fills every feed with pink ribbons, and it's hard to tell what most of them actually do. So here's what we give, in plain numbers, plus one habit we'd ask you to keep long after the month is over.
Through October, 10% of our profit goes to charity for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to the same women's health and advocacy charities we support all year on our Give Back page, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The rest of the year, 1% of every bare-babe.com order goes to them. And because you look closely at your chest every time you put on nipple covers, it's a good moment to learn what's normal for you, so you notice when something changes.
What does Bare Babe give in October?
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 10% of our profit goes to charity. It's the same promise you'll see in the bar at the top of our site, and it runs for the whole of October. It goes to the three charities we support all year:
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which funds breast cancer research
- Women for Women International
- Doctors Without Borders USA
Outside October, our standing Give Back program is 1% of every order placed on bare-babe.com, to the same three. The full list lives on our Give Back page, and that page is the one we keep current.
What changes are worth noticing?
The American Cancer Society asks women to know what their breasts normally look and feel like, so a change stands out. Putting on nipple covers is a natural moment for that, because you're looking right at your nipples and the skin around them. These are the changes the ACS says to get checked by a doctor:
- A new lump or mass (most lumps aren't cancer, but every new one is worth checking)
- Swelling in all or part of a breast, even without a lump you can feel
- Skin dimpling, sometimes described as looking like orange peel
- Red, dry, flaking or thickened skin on the nipple or breast
- A nipple that starts turning inward
- Nipple discharge that isn't breast milk
- Breast or nipple pain
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone
Source: American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms.
If a cover or tape has left your skin red or irritated, give it a few days off any adhesive and see if it settles. If a change doesn't go away, or you're not sure what it is, see your doctor rather than waiting.
When should you get a mammogram?
For women at average risk, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends a screening mammogram every two years from age 40 to 74. If breast cancer runs in your family, you carry a known genetic risk or you've had chest radiation, talk to your doctor about starting earlier or screening more often.
Mammograms don't find every breast cancer, which is why knowing your normal still matters between appointments.
Source: US Preventive Services Task Force, Breast Cancer: Screening (2024).
Do nipple covers cause breast cancer?
No. There's no evidence that silicone nipple covers cause breast cancer. We went through the research in Are silicone nipple covers safe?, and the most common myths in Do nipple covers cause cancer?
What won't we do?
- Turn a product pink and call it support. The donation is the support, so it's the part we tell you about.
- Sell our products as part of treatment or recovery. Nipple covers and boob tape are for outfits. They aren't medical products, and our adhesives only go on intact skin, so they're not for skin that's healing from surgery or treatment. If you're in or after treatment, ask your care team before putting any adhesive on your chest.
FAQ
How much does Bare Babe donate for Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Through October, 10% of our profit goes to the charities on our Give Back page for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The rest of the year, 1% of every bare-babe.com order goes to the same charities.
Which charities does Bare Babe support?
Our Give Back program supports the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Women for Women International and Doctors Without Borders USA. The October donation goes to the same charities. The current list is always on our Give Back page.
What are the early signs of breast cancer?
The American Cancer Society lists a new lump, swelling, skin dimpling, red or flaking skin on the nipple or breast, a nipple turning inward, discharge that isn't breast milk, pain, and swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone. Any of these is worth a visit to your doctor.
Can nipple covers cause breast cancer?
No. There's no evidence that silicone nipple covers cause breast cancer. Our safety post goes through the research.
When should I start getting mammograms?
For women at average risk, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years from age 40 to 74. If you have a higher risk, ask your doctor whether to start earlier.
