The National Asian Breast Cancer Initiative (NABCI) is launching its #asianbreastcancer social media campaign in October to increase advocacy for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The purpose of the campaign is to bring to light the unique cultural, linguistic and biological challenges Asian women face related to breast cancer. Of all ethnic groups, Asian women in the US are the least likely to get tested [1] but if they have lived in the US for more than a decade, their chances of getting breast cancer increase by 80% [2].

With a reach of over 18M people, a diverse group of influencers including the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Angry Asian Man, Privy Circle, Kore Asian Media, Destination Luxury, Mochi Magazine, Privy Date and Yomyomf have agreed to support the NABCI #asianbreastcancer campaign as “Advocates”.

A few celebrities who support NABCI’s cause through social media include Karrueche Tran, Kelly Hu, Ken Jeong, Megan Lee and Lisa Ling. A full list of NABCI advocates can be found here: http://asianbreastcancer.org/advocates.

NABCI was founded by Privy Circle CEO Stephen Liu, a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur whose own mother is a survivor and was only diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer after three years of mammograms with “dense breast” disclaimers and a third doctor’s opinion.

“When I was looking to start NABCI I read that Asian women tend to have ‘dense breasts’ [3] which have up to a 60% error rate for mammograms [4]. If my own mother had difficulties after being in this country more than 50 years with PPO insurance, how would a newer immigrant from Asia navigate the US healthcare system with limited English skills and a cultural bias not to question their doctors?”

In summary, many Asian immigrant women don’t understand the importance of getting tested, and even when they are tested could face many unique challenges.

In addition, on Oct. 15th, Privy Circle in association with the cancer center City of Hope is holding a benefit “Lexus Night at the Gallery” to raise awareness for Asian women and breast cancer. The benefit, includes art, fashion and music, and will feature a runway fashion show by FRANKIE and Stella & Jamie and musical performances by Broadway singers Welly Yang, Dina Morishita and DJ Shy. Funds raised will go to support NABCI, a 501c3 program of the Asian Pacific Community Fund. The benefit is organized by Privy Circle - an inspired transpacific network of accomplished and like-minded individuals who are part of an emerging generation of global influencers and believe in the power of raising awareness and rallying support for issues important to our community.

What:              “Lexus Night at The Gallery” to benefit NABCI

Where:             Ace Gallery, 9430 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills, CA

Time:               Oct. 15th, 8 p.m. – midnight

Tickets:           http://lexusnightgallery.eventbrite.com/?aff=pr

For more info contact Amy Wu NABCI communications specialist amy@asianbreastcancer.org or Stephen Liu at s@privycircle.com