I have so many people in my life who are breast cancer survivors that I almost take survival for granted.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t but a generation ago that having a mammogram was a foreign concept to most women. If you can believe it, breast cancer was embarrassing and wasn’t discussed in polite company. Then Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1974. She had a mastectomy and talked about it, god forbid.
The entire landscape changed.
Now you can’t turn your head in October 2010 without seeing pink ribbons and pink paraphernalia to remind us that it’s breast cancer awareness month.
I support the efforts to raise money for cancer research and encourage more women to have mammograms. I like that we can talk about breast cancer at work — and with our colleagues, peers, and supervisors. I am wholly offended by the monetization and commoditization of a serious disease that still kills men and women.
And it kills disproportionately, by the way.
The five-year survival rates for: White women is 90 percent • African American women is 78 percent, lower than that of any other ethnic and racial group in the U.S. • Hispanic/Latina women is 86 percent • Asian women is 91 percent • Pacific Islander women is 86 percent • American Indian/Alaska Native women is 84 percent
I want to get serious about breast cancer. I want to raise awareness and find a cure. How will pink kleenex on my desk and pink toilet paper in my office cure breast cancer? How does wearing pink lipstick to work and adorning our suits with pink scarves and pink ribbons change the survival rates for women in our country?
If we really believed in eliminating breast cancer — and all cancers — we would have radically overhauled our health care system in America. We would rethink the relationship between consumers/patients, hospitals, research centers, and pharmaceutical companies. And we wouldn’t try to sell pink clogs and pink candy to raise breast cancer awareness in our country.
Be smart. Don’t sign up for a breast cancer awareness credit card, and don’t buy anything that takes your money in the name of charity in exchange for tacky consumer goods manufactured in sweatshops in China.
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All I can say is Thank You. From the bottom of my heart.
April, thanks for commenting!
I agree with you that no money should be spent on pink things that disctract from contributing to cancer prevention and seeking a cure. Might be ok if the company using cancer awareness signs a deal contributing all or a major part of its profits to the cause, but if just for marketing, they should be ignored. Spend it on research/prevention, not on tissues, ribbons, or (I swear I have seen these) pink can coozies.
Also, it is not a purely a woman’s issues. Yes, a vast majority of people affected by it are female but I had a very good high/grade school friend (a male) die of breast cancer. It truly sucks.
Totally NOT just a woman’s issue. Agreed.
Wow. I never stopped to think about it like that. Thank you.
Caroline, how’s the move going??
Amen. Did you see this? http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/10/04/101004fa_fact_gladwell
OOoh. Good catch.
Amen to that….as someone who donates regularly to such things the overwhelming paraphernalia dedicated the cause almost makes me wary of the fund raising effort itself, despite how its still desperately needed.
I like to use a charity validation site to see how much $$ goes to administration and how much goes to the cause.
Wow, like you were reading my mind! As I’m watching NFL yesterday, and wondering…. “if they had just donated all the money spent on pink __________ (whistles, shoes, headbands, hats, chin straps, etc.), how much money would have actually gone to research???” We’re aware – very aware….now let’s use funds wisely and continue doing the critical research to snuff this thing out!
Tammy – you and I were thinking the same thing yesterday. Exactly the same thing about the money spent on stuff that could have just gone directly to the cause. After I thought about that, I thought about pepperoni pizza – did you too, or am I alone with that one?
I thought (maybe trying to rationalize it for the NFL) that perhaps all the pink gloves, etc. would bring publicity to breast cancer awareness and would that be more valuable than the money spent on the pink stuff. Then I realized, no, it wouldn’t.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. I’d like to see the NFL support that.
It’s obnoxious.
Laurie thank you for writing this. Just yesterday when the Hubby and I were watching the pink-clad NFL players I asked “how much do you think a pink chin strap cost?” and “how about the pink shoe laces and gloves?” My husband, knowing that I would keep this up all day, came up with a number – he guesstimated that a pink chin strap probably cost each team $50 each. My response “Don’t you think that all that money would be better spent going directly to breast cancer reasearch?”
I freely admit that I boycott the pink breast cancer items in the store. I have no idea how much the “portion of the proceeds” actually is that is donated to cancer research. I would much rather (and I do put my money where my mouth is) donate directly to the cause. Wouldn’t everyone?
Portion of the proceeds can mean .01% — sad but true!
I do think that there is a fundamental issue that all organizations that seek to cure disease, etc. face and that is people being more willing to donate money if they get something in return. Buying a pink ribbon (or a pin that looks like a pink ribbon) or a yellow rubber bracelet, or a $$ per plate dinner or bidding at a silent auction. If you’re willing and/or able to part with that money, why do you need to get something in return?
Girl Scout cookies does not apply – that’s just buying cookies
You don’t wear the ribbon? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRtUv97YFco
Love it!
I went grocery shopping yesterday armed with coupons, a large starbucks coffee and my iPod. 2 hour later I had bought everything on my list including about 5 items that had turned pink for breast cancer awareness month (items I was going to buy anyway). I unloaded the groceries onto the counter and my 8 year old son asks me “why is the chip box pink….wait why is the wheat thins box pink.” So it begins…a teaching moment, an uncomfortable subject and me and my son. Well, D you know how grandma has been sick, she has breast cancer and the pink helps others be aware to take care of themselves early so they don’t get sick like grandma…OH I get it mom, like the walk you and Dad did last week. You get the picture….awareness.
Awareness is as important as finding a cure. Awareness might encourage someone to get a mammogram and in turn prevent breast cancer or find it early. My mother just got diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at 62, 22 of my wonderful friends did our local Race for the Cure earlier this month and raised $2500 and will be raising funds through Oct. if you want to donate actual dollars directly to the cause and leave the wheat thins at the store. http://www.ockomen.com/race/dmedeiros
I love the post Laurie and boy did you get me thinking (why I love you)..and I “get” it…but i sorta like the pink chin straps…
Thank you for bringing awareness to the subject.
Awesome, Dina. Thanks for this alternate point of view!
Thank you Laurie,
Just last night as I was at Safeway buying groceries I was thinking about this, as they’re asking customers if they want to donate $2 towards breast cancer research in Western Canada (where I live).
I totally feel anxious and guilty with regards to all of the breast cancer research. I need to find this particular article that I read ages ago about a theory that (and I apologise for any offense) that curing cancer isn’t a priority anymore, as the entire fund raising industry employs so many people and generates so much money, that it’s surpassed the original purpose.
Here’s a similar article, but not the one I remember: http://www.pnc.com.au/~cafmr/online/research/cancer.html
So now I donate where I know where my money is going, and don’t purchase any plastic crap which ironically, is linked to causing cancer.
This also makes me think of my pet vaccine debate – if we have a vaccine for feline leukemia, why don’t we have one for the human variety?
Wait, that’s an interesting thought on the pet leukemia thing. Hm. I have to look into that. I suspect that feline leukemia is a virus that probably acts like leukemia with a side effect of cancer — as opposed to real leukemia in humans that isn’t a virus. But I’m just guessing. BRB on that one.
I’ve read some thoughts along those lines too… that the whole “find a cure” focus is a cash cow and serves to distract from inquiries into the causes of breast cancer and the fact that survival rates are not really improving that much over time. I’ve seen several versions of this lecture/article by Barbara Ehrenreich that summarizes some of this stuff: http://www.commondreams.org/views01/1223-04.htm
Awesome post, Laurie. Thank You. There is no need for the overdone trinkets manufactured in offshore sweat shops or anywhere else for that matter.
I have enough sweatshop cat crap in my house to last a lifetime.
Laurie you and I are almost always on the same page – not sure I completely agree with you your train of thought here. I get your point about useless tacky products from sweatshops but is disease swag anymore repulsive than the sea of swag that permeates every other aspect of our society. We are (at least in the US) influenced by a culture of stuff and very often useless stuff. If it did not catch our attention companies would not bother but it does have influence on what we think and more importantly what we discuss. If there is value in the tidal wave of pink it does sometimes invoke us to think and discuss topics we otherwise may never bring up. How many families brought up the topic of breast cancer because of the all the pink on NFL players yesterday – in happen in my house and two of the nine first responders to your post – I think there is real value in that. Is it a perfect answer – far from it but sometimes it is more effective to change the system from within rather than oppose it from without.
Thanks for always making us think…
awareness is important…
October is the longest month for me… I finished chemo for breast cancer almost two years ago and my mastectomy scar is a constant reminder..
I think people buy the pink ribbon stuff out of superstition — hoping that if they have enough pink ribbon stuff they won’t get it.
Today I asked if breast cancer survivors get a discount at Cariboo coffee… they didn’t think it was gonna happen…which is telling, no?
Wow, I want to buy you the biggest freakin cup of coffee ever. Schwoo.
Lots of good wishes and continued good heath. xo
One of the things I love about all of the pink schwag, particularly food, that is that the food itself is cancer-causing frankencrap.
“Hey, let’s capitalize off of folks suffering with cancer, by luring their friends and family in with pink food coloring, fillers and artificial flavoring! They they’ll all get cancer and we’ll have a whole niche market for years to come!”
This is pink: http://gizmodo.com/5654066/chicken-nuggets-are-made-from-this-pink-chicken-goop
EXACTLY. That pop can with the pink ribbon? Full of aspertame or high fructose corn syrup. That pink plastic commuter cup? Full of BPA. It’s ridiculous.
Check out the #pinkwashing stream on Twitter. Very enlightening.
I’m all for raising awareness, but loads of chemical-filled merchandise is a pretty ironic way to do it.
With you. Is it pink yoplait that supports cancer? I hate yogurt — naturally pink or not. They could offer a cure for ANYTHING and I’d be like, meh, no thanks, I’ll skip the yogurt.
Ugh. Pink food.
It’s like you read my mind! Thank you for putting my thoughts into words.
Thx Christine.
Hi Laurie,
I love your post!
I don’t usually get involved in the discussions, but, as this one is near and dear to my boob, I wanted to share the following site. The name says it all….
http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/
Thanks for your posts! Always a great read.
Oooh nice link!
Laurie,
Yesterday a client of mine sent me an e-mail from a friend of hers who was diagnosed with breast cancer (and had a double mastectomy). She documented the entire process, and will be in the running for a Pepsi Grant to help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.
I was very touched by her 9 minute video (link below) and sent her my e-mail to be added to her list so I can be reminded to vote for her when the voting opens up in November. I thought perhaps others might be interested and thought I would share.
A look at a 9 minute highlight reel of Pat’s journey:
http://www.positivelypat.com/2009/11/pats-journey-a-story-of-survival/
Pat’s website: http://www.positivelypat.com
It’s funny that I stumbled upon this post today. Earlier today I posted this as my status update on FB: “I’m not understanding how changing your status on FB to where you put your purse is going to support breast cancer awareness when it’s already the most publicized type of cancer research out there while many of the other, more deadly, underfunded, & less researched cancers go unmentioned. I dream o…f the day when I can buy kitchen utensils in purple to support pancreatic cancer.”
I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer 12 years ago. It’s the 4th deadliest type of cancer yet it receives the least amount of money to go towards research. You mention the 5-year survival rate is 90% (for white women)…Pancreatic Cancer? FOUR PERCENT!!!
I’ll get off my soapbox now. Enough with breast cancer awareness and fundraising. They’ve made great strides with this as noted in this article. Let’s focus on some of the cancers that are truly death sentences now.
I am even cynical about the corporate breast cancer fundraising orgs. Komen, probably the best one, spends only about 20% on research and nothing to aid treatment that I can see. The rest is spent on “fundraising,” “education,” and on low cost mammography. What would you bet that each of these areas comes with its own highly paid executive? What is the purpose of funding mammography for people who can’t afford it, if you don’t cover treatment? Those who can’t afford either, are in the pergatory of not being able to afford insurance, but not quite being eligible for Medicaid. Often times, those early discovered cancers aren’t particular virulent form anyway, but they are enough to terrorize. It’s almost cruelty.
Then you read how the Komen org has heavy ties to mammography equipment manufacturers and the cynicism builds. It’s not about treatment, it’s about generating more mammograms. Awful.
Great post. I feel exactly the same way, and every year it gets worse.
Way worse. I picked up my dry cleaning yesterday and my clothes were hung on pink hangers and wrapped in pink bags. Not kidding.
I wish organizations like the NFL would just make a donation to cancer research every time a touchdown is scored during the month of October instead of spending millions on pink sneakers, whistles, mouthguards, gloves, etc.
We should spend money on research, not producing useless pink crap in foreign countries. We’re effectively supporting China’s economy, pollution and stuffing our landfills instead of supporting breast cancer research.
Indeed we take surviving for granted. I surely do. My mom is a 4 time breast cancer survivor; a fact that begs the question, “how many boobs does she have?” She’s won the war but still refuses to participate in race/run pity parties or purchase anything painted pink.
Does anyone know how much money is actually donated to breast cancer from the NFL when a customer purchases, say, a pink NFL hat with the pink ribbon? I can’t find it anywhere on the website – which males me think it’s a very small percentage. I once heard somewhere (I forget where, and not necessarily about the NFL products) that out of an $80 purchase, about $2 is donated to breast cancer awareness. I heard that all of the pink equipment the players wear is auctioned off for breast cancer research, but what about the merchandise that fans purchase? I think for someone who truly cares about breast cancer awareness/research, they would donate money to straight the organization. A $5 donation to Komen does a lot more good than buying an NFL hat for $20.
I agree with you a bazillion percent. I’ve brought up this same concern among friends in everyday conversation. To the point where the NFL has their players use pink towels and wear pink cleats, pink sweatbands, and pink gloves. It’s getting a little out of hand. If you really want to help the cause, donate your time or funds directly to komen.org or similar. Don’t buy into the bandwagon-ing middlemen, out to make an extra buck for themselves by taking advantage of others’ misfortune.
I don’t need to wear a ribbon, or wristband, or whatever, to show my support. A good deed shouldn’t be a reason to gloat. Generosity and humility go hand-in-hand in my opinion. Save that gloating BS for people who are attention-starved, and have something to prove.
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