I’m dyeing my hair purple today. My son has been begging for purple for a while now, but I’ve been sticking with pink — until now. I don’t want to be associated in any way with that cute little disease, breast cancer. Or worse, that most feminine of all activities: shopping for breast cancer.
People, do you know what you’re shopping for? T-shirts and dog collars and candy and soup, all painted a pandering pink. I’ve actually heard people say, “I’m buying this because I want to support breast cancer.” You want to support cancer? Or the people fighting cancer? And who, exactly, are you supporting?
The day the Susan G. Komen foundation sends out a brochure with research that I can fund is the day I’ll shop for the cause.
In the meantime, instead of supporting some unknown organization, service, or research with some unspecified “portion of the proceeds”, I’m sending my money directly to the organizations that match my goals. I’m also lobbying Congress to fund research into the causes and pathologies of breast cancer with letters like these, the template for which can be found on the Breast Cancer Action website:
After more than 20 years of Breast Cancer Awareness Months, people in this country are still incredibly confused about some of the basic facts of breast cancer. A recent poll by the advocacy group Breast Cancer Action found that most Americans (74%) mistakenly think breast cancer that remains restricted to the breast can be fatal.
The reality is that only breast cancer that spreads to the vital organs is life threatening. But doctors don’t have the tools to tell a woman with certainty at the time of diagnosis whether or not her breast cancer will spread and become life-threatening.
For the sake of the 200,000 women who are diagnosed with this dreadful disease every year, it is time to prioritize research—and funding for research—that will enable doctors to answer a woman’s most basic questions upon diagnosis—“Will I die of this?” and “What should I do next?” As federal funding for cancer research is in danger of being cut, this is a perfect time to refocus and reprioritize. Only more focused research will allow doctors to predict the spread of breast cancer, whether it will become life threatening, and what the best course of treatment is for each woman.
We need to do more than just shop for breast cancer. More than just wave the pink flag, wear our pink t-shirt, point to our pink hat.
Funding mammograms isn’t going to end breast cancer. Feeling smug isn’t going to, either. Please, make this the year that you demand more research into the causes of breast cancer, not just into slash, burn, and poison treatments that treat all breast cancers the same because we can’t tell how they’re different. Spend your money on a stamp and write a letter to your senator.
Cancer isn’t pretty, and it sure as hell isn’t pink. Don’t let the “cause” marketing geniuses rope you in and shut you up. Show them you’re smart enough to pass by the pink and take charge of your own health. Your life may depend on it.
— Lori
Although I’ve committed to turning my web site pink to try and raise awareness for Breast Cancer (in the spirit of Matthew’s ‘Pink For October’ site) – I’m really pleased you wrote this article Lori. It’s important that more is actively done for Cancer Research…and I don’t approve of companies just trying to ‘cash-in’ on the October/Pink idea.
My efforts to help with the challenge of curing Breast Cancer seem laughable in contrast to some…I hope that I’m at least showing some support and recognition (where I know a lot of people who are not doing anything at all).
Again, great article Lori – well said.
Comment by Matt Robin — 10 October 2007 @ 16:19
“Funding mammograms isn’t going to end breast cancer.”
EXACTLY! That’s why besides going pink, I will also try to create and spread the awareness on breast cancer throughout the month, such as this post about some breast cancer-related statistics
Comment by pelf — 10 October 2007 @ 22:53
I was a delegate from my state for LIVESTRONG™ Day, May 16, 2007 in Washington, D.C. After we had some advocacy training, delegates from EVERY state in the United States visited their respective legislators to ask them to support cancer education, awareness and legislation.In particular, we asked for increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute(NIC) as these organization have suffered crippling cuts and/or flat funding for a number of years now. We asked for stronger support for the CDC (which is compelled to act when reliable screening and treatment methods are discovered).
We also asked our legislators to cosponsor a particular bill: The Cancer Screening, Treatment, and Survivorship Act of 2007. This is bicameral, bipartisan legislation that is difficult to explain briefly, but if you visit here you’ll find some of the ideas behind this proposed legislation (written by the Lance Armstrong Foundation but put together with the input and cooperation of numerous important cancer advocacy and treatment entities).PLEASE contact your state legislators and ask them to cosponsor this bill, if they haven’t already (in the Senate, [S.1415.IS], in the House, [H.R.2353.IH]). You can use this link to help you get directly to your legislators.
You can find out who has and who has NOT cosponsored the bill (and it’s status – currently still in committee) by looking it up by title on the Library of Congress “Thomas” Locater. This is also a great tool to see what sort of cancer legislation is out there and who supports it and who quashes it.I know, this is not JUST about breast cancer, but this kind of legislation would make a difference for ALL varieties of cancer.Of the 560,00 people who will die of cancer in the United States this year, a full THIRD of those deaths could be prevented by early detection, parity in access to diagnostic tools and treatment, increased research funding, and GENERAL EDUCATION AND AWARENESS. Cancer is the NUMBER ONE cause of death in individuals under the age of eighty-five in the United States.
I ask myself every day why it isn’t treated that way. Lastly, a favorite Lance Armstrong Foundation saying: “Unity is Strength, Knowledge is Power, Attitude is Everything.”
Comment by Kate — 11 October 2007 @ 0:26
Okay – SORRY – another thought:
I don’t think shopping for cancer is All bad. For instance, if you need a new T-shirt, why not let all or part of the proceeds go to a good cause.
If you shop at the Susan G. Komen promise shop, 50-80% of the proceeds support research and community outreach programs.
And sometimes the fact that people notice the item you purchase gives you an opportunity to say CONTACT YOU LEGISLATORS – BE AWARE AND EDUCATED, etc. I don’t usually YELL this at people.
For instance, the pink ribbon carabiners that I purchased from the Susan G. Komen Foundation have not only given me myriad opportunities to talk to people about grassroots advocacy together, but I was able to give one to a fellow delegate on LIVESTRONG™ Day; it meant a great deal to her.
This amazing woman, who bravely continues her battle with breast cancer (diagnosed two weeks before her own sister) comforted ME when I received an email with the obituary of a friend who had died that day of widely-metastasized breast cancer (she was only thirty-eight).
Shopping at the Lance Armstrong Foundation shop is even better. 100% of all proceeds from the wristbands go directly to programs, research, grants, outreach, community support, etc. I don’t know what the current numbers are, but as of 2005, 55 MILLION wristbands had been sold.
My favorite item in the LAF shop is the FREE LIVESTRONG™ Notebook (which ANYONE can get). “The LIVESTRONG™ Survivorship Notebook is designed to organize and guide your cancer experience. It is a portable notebook [a VERY nice binder, I should add], so you can take it with you to health care appointments and other important meeting…” It also provides tools, important resources, etc. – all for free.
Oh – and in the 2006 LAF financial report you’ll find that only 4.8% of their revenue that last year went to “Management and General expenses.” If you know anything about charities you’ll appreciate how impressive that is.
Moreover, their support programs are free, you can participate in numerous advocacy efforts for free, they provide tons of cancer information for free… You get the picture. Sorry for the obvious bias.
All proceeds from sales of wristbands from the American Cancer Association benefit its programs directly as well.
I say shop for breast cancer (or any cancer) if it’s something that will raise awareness, teach something to you and others, if it helps inspire and support someone affected by cancer and help them know that you care about them, or it’s something you might buy anyway (but you could buy it from a “Cancer” source and “advertise” for a good cause).
I WILL add that (obviously) it’s important to read the fine print – not every item embellished with a pink ribbon or doo-dad is really going to do much to help Breast Cancer.
And NEVER buy wristbands from assholes (can I say that on this site?) who “re-sell” the things at a mark-up (which is copyright infringement not to mention disgusting avarice).
I have written some – let’s say “strongly worded” – letters to such merchants. They argue that the money they spent in the first place to get the “merchandise” goes to the cause. the fact that they PROFIT on the endeavor doesn’t seem to bother them.
ALWAYS GO STRAIGHT TO THE SOURCE.
Comment by Kate — 11 October 2007 @ 1:10
I have participated in Pink for October by turning my website pink. I can see your point of view Lori but really you are participating in your own way, by dyeing your hair purple, if anyone comments surely you will explain why, as you have here, which is awareness raising in itself. Any kind of awareness raising is a good thing, completely agree with Kate, go out and by yourself something pink, if it means even a small donation towards research, every little helps.
Of course there are other ways of fundraising, encouraging colleagues to wear pink at work and make a donation.
As a result of Pink for October and the message from Lori I have sent a message to Congress as I’m sure many others have too.
It is so important that more is done but I don’t think we should underestimate the benefits of campaigns such as these.
Comment by Liz — 11 October 2007 @ 4:38
Thanks for all the comments guys — great discussion! By all means, if you want to shop for pink items, feel free. They *can* be an opportunity for discussion. However, if the reason you’re buying is to get money to cancer researchers and local screening programs, consider donating to these programs directly instead. You don’t need the marketing middleman.
Comment by Lori — 11 October 2007 @ 8:43
I understand the points you try to make and agree on some but I think you came out as much more hostile than you probably intended.
Just going pink or buying pink may not accomplish as much as donating directly to a company or group and knowing exactly how much of your money will go to which aspect of cancer awareness, treatment, detection and research but any awareness at all, no matter how vapid, is more and better than existed a few years ago. It’s a step, at least, in the right direction.
It is frustrating, though, when people jump on the bandwagon without any forethought. I’m part of a forum where members were ‘awarded’ pink ribbons for having pink usernames and avatars yet they never provided any information, statistics, links or prompted any educated discussions about breast cancer so while people were aware, they remained rather ignorant on the subject.
So I do agree that we can do more and it never hurts to point it out but don’t scoff as what is being done, no matter how trivial it may seem.
Also, in the way of doing more – I’m sure mammograms are just the tip of the iceberg but are they not also important when it comes to detection?
Comment by cole — 13 October 2007 @ 5:54
Personally, it makes me feel a bit sick and a bit violated to think that these companies and organisations are benefiting from the fact that I have cancer. Cancer is about the individual – it’s an assault on an individual and no amount of t-shirts and ribbons or yogurts or sweeties can make that better.
I’m a person – a real person – not part of a marketing campaign.
Comment by Em — 15 October 2007 @ 12:01
What???
Addressing the comment about not buying wristbands from a-holes who resell them for a profit?
You don’t think those icky licked lids don’t buy the Yoplait CEO a new Ferrari and a trophy wife? They donate something like $1.5 million max yet the profits from *just* the Yoplait line of yogurts made $1.1 BILLION – with a B – last year. The estimated profit from the campaign a few years ago was $24 million. That year they donated about 150k. They won’t even tell anyone exactly what they make off the lid campaign. And they are part of the General Mills family. You think they can’t afford more than a million max? (and that’s only if people send in a gazillion spit lids)
Google “Think before you pink” and “The Assertive Cancer Patient” for some real shockers! Oh, and Google “Jingle Jugs” They donated 50k to Komen.
Pink is sick. Donate directly to a reputable charity that funds research, not just begs awareness or provides mammograms – (e.g. every state already has a program to fund mammograms)
Instead of getting Kitchenaid folk a bump in their stock – If you know someone with cancer, do something for them PERSONALLY. But them a grocery card or groceries for them. They will be fatigued. Babysit their kids. Pay their electric bill or copays. I had people give me an iPod Nano for the waiting rooms (Leukemia and Stem Cell survivor here). I also got Target gift cards and Amazon $$. Buy them something practical that you know they wouldn’t buy themselves.
Btw, I had my stupid pink blog for a long time and only WISH I could change it to a lovely shade of yellow.
P.S. I had many friends on my floor who had stem cell transplants for breast cancer. Maybe donate to the Leukemia Society since they actually fund research for adult stem cells and don’t spend money on marketing. Yes :P My 7 year old and I plan on raising a million bucks for them! teamzoe.net (and thanks for letting me vent a little here)
Comment by debutaunt — 16 October 2007 @ 20:27
I think its good that people buy the breast cancer products although the companies that sell these products should be made to outline how much is being given and what exactly for because some companies do use the logo to boost there own sales and only give a tiny percent and i think the customer should be told this.
It was launched originally to educate people to check and i dont think theres anything wrong with continuing that but some companies have used this for there advantage making people unsure now whether they should buy things like this anymore from any charity which they should they just need to make sure they now where its going.
Comment by Belle — 20 April 2008 @ 16:59
I agree totally – you really have to look closely to see who funds RESEARCH, that is the key. I am fortunate to have found an organization that does only that. As a breast cancer patient, this is absolutely crucial. i dont want my daughters to have to go through this!!
Comment by heidi — 12 August 2008 @ 13:33
I don’t want to be associated in any way with that cute little disease, breast cancer. Or worse, that most feminine of all activities: shopping for breast cancer.
what are you talking about cute there is nothing cute about breast cancer.
Comment by DANA — 16 September 2008 @ 16:11
How about spending funds on informing women on strategies to prevent breast cancer? Cancer research is almost always animal research, and I am not about to spend one cent torturing other living beings. Cancer of any sort is a nightmare. I am not about to condemn my little brothers and sisters to that particular hell.
Comment by Debbie — 20 December 2008 @ 12:56
Hello…I’m with all the people who are sooooo tired of Pink. I’d love to find anything with the color Teal Blue… Yup! That’s the support ribbon for Ovarian Cancer. And, so, my journey is to inform EVERY woman who looks at me with those “Deer in the Headlights” stare…why? Because there is absolutely nothing out there! Nothing! Women are dying every day from Ovarian Cancer… Yet, no magazine articles (maybe one or two) and, all the hospitals, doctors offices, grocery etc are promoting buying “something” to fight Breast Cancer. How much money is given in grants to all these entities? I have a special beef with the American Cancer Society who…would have offered me a chance to buy a specially made wig IF I had Breast Cancer. Why? Well, they get grants from the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation…
Anyway, to all the women who read this… Just tell 10 women and ask them to tell 10 more about the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. And, never…never…allow any doctor to tell you that because you’re a certain age… You get fat around the gut!
Thank you for allowing me to vent…
Elayne…a very determined woman…
Comment by elayne — 24 October 2009 @ 19:12
My name is Erin Wimberley. I am a team member for the annual Relay For Life sponsored by The American Cancer Society. Team Members are responsible for collecting donated items for our “pink basket” raffles that will be held on 06/18-06/19/2010. I was wondering if your site would be willing to donate any items for our raffle? Raffle tickets will be sold for the drawing and all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Thanks for your consideration.
Erin Wimberley
“Think Pink”
Team Member
The AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
“Relay For Life”
Pawnee County, Pawnee, Oklahoma.
(405)612-7914
ErinRaschel7783@hotmail.com
Comment by Erin Wimberley — 3 March 2010 @ 20:57