Elizabeth Hurley emphasizes the importance of cancer awareness as it has never been more crucial.

• As the global ambassador for The Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign, Elizabeth Hurley spoke to "CNBC Meets" about the campaign ahead of World Cancer Day on Feb. 4.
• Breast cancer, which is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, affects both men and women.
• This year, October will mark the 30th anniversary of the pink ribbon symbol for breast cancer, which was co-created by the late Evelyn H. Lauder.

Elizabeth Hurley, an actress, model, businesswoman, and philanthropist, stated on CNBC that the Covid-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for cancer patients.

Due to the pandemic, the past 18 months have made it difficult for some of us to focus on any health concerns other than Covid-19. We have all been concerned about getting vaccines, keeping our loved ones safe, and some of us have lost people. This has been a challenging time for everyone, as Hurley stated.

"This year's World Cancer Day is especially important due to the challenges faced by those diagnosed with cancer and those concerned about their own health."

As the global ambassador for The Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign, Hurley spoke to "CNBC Meets" about the campaign ahead of World Cancer Day on Feb. 4.

Raising awareness of self-checking your breasts and general breast health is crucial, as both women and men can be diagnosed with breast cancer, which has now surpassed lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide.

Since 1995, the star of movies and TV shows such as "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," "Gossip Girl," "The Royals," and Marvel's "Runaways" has been supporting the campaign to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. She shared that the campaign had a personal impact on her after losing her grandmother to the disease.

Like many women, she discovered a lump on her own. Despite being scared and embarrassed, she didn't tell her doctor for over a year. By the time she did, the cancer had spread, and despite a mastectomy, it had reached her liver. It was too late to save her grandmother.

"Our messaging has always emphasized the importance of early detection in saving lives. While we know that catching breast cancer early greatly increases the chances of survival, the key is detecting it early."

Hurley emphasized the importance of regularly checking your breasts, stating that it is "absolutely vital." She advised checking them once a month to become familiar with how they feel and to promptly seek medical attention if any changes are noticed. This way, any potential issues can be detected early.

This year, October will mark the 30th anniversary of the pink ribbon symbol for breast cancer, which was co-created by the late Evelyn H. Lauder and founded with the mission to create a breast cancer-free world for all.

Over $108 million has been provided by The Breast Cancer Campaign and The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation for "global research, education and medical services."

Since her involvement, Hurley has seen vast changes.

Back then, breast cancer wasn't a topic of conversation, she stated.

"In the 27 years I've been with the campaign, the landscape has changed dramatically. Now, people are discussing breast cancer, including fundraising, treatments, diagnosis, aftercare, and how people should be treated if they've been diagnosed."

Covid lockdowns

In 2005, the star founded her luxury beachwear label, while also admitting to CNBC that balancing family, career, and charity obligations had been challenging at times.

Rewritten: "Being a younger mother with a young child presented a greater challenge in balancing responsibilities, as it involved ferrying kids to and from school, running baths, and laying out pajamas. This is a challenge that any woman or parent faces."

"Enjoying a real return to business, I no longer have to lay out my son's pajamas or run his bath, as he is now 19 and can take care of himself."

Hurley stated that the coronavirus lockdowns were an intriguing experience and a productive period for her.

Since the first lockdown, I've been fortunate enough to make three or four movies and a TV pilot, write my first script, and find this time to be highly creative, she stated.

"Although lockdown was difficult for many, it had some positive effects on our mental health, as it forced us to pause, disconnect from our daily routines, and reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones."

She stated that she has maintained certain alterations she implemented amidst the pandemic.

"I prefer to limit my social interactions and only meet with select individuals in safe environments, either at their homes or mine. This choice has made me happier and brought me closer to certain people. In fact, I'm thrilled with this arrangement and don't miss the people I haven't seen as much."

According to Hurley, the only obstacle preventing a world without breast cancer is the lack of funding.

In order to raise more money, it's important for individuals to take care of themselves and seek medical attention if they have concerns, she emphasized.