Smile Pink campaign encourages women, men to support early breast cancer testing

Aug 11 2010

Over five hundred dentists from around the United States have joined forces in an exciting new initiative aimed at promoting early detection in breast cancer.  Dubbed "Smile Pink", the campaign encourages women and men to show their support of early breast cancer testing by adding a stylish Pink Swarovski Crystal to their smile.  Several celebrities have already agreed to smile pink including former Miss USA winner Tara Conner and E! television network reality stars Lisa and Britney Gastineau.

"I don't know what's more fabulous," said Mrs. Lisa Gastineau from her home in Los Angeles, "adding the adorable pink bling to my smile or the fact that I'm helping raise awareness against breast cancer.  I love that everyone will know I smile pink."

The facts are sobering.  Every two and a half minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.  One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Over 200,000 will be diagnosed this year and 40,000 of them will die from the disease. Breast cancer also occurs in men.  In fact, over one thousand men will be diagnosed this year.

The Pink Swarovski Crystal is applied to the tooth with a temporary dental adhesive.  It is safe, and takes less than a minute for a dentist to apply.  The crystal can be removed with household tweezers.

The Smile Pink campaign was developed by Dr. Anthony Vocaturo from New Jersey Center of Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry in Bayonne, New Jersey after his family was impacted by the disease.

Dr. Vocaturo joined with Ms. Billie Prisby and Ms. Katie Anton to create Smile for the Cause, a program that offers hope, strength, and encouragement to survivors and their families.  Smile Pink is the program's first national initiative.

"Smile Pink is a fresh and innovative campaign that will help spread awareness about the importance of funding lifesaving breast cancer research, while giving patients the opportunity to brighten their smiles," said Lucretia Gilbert, Director of Development at The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.