Why Pinktober Needs a Rethink
Did you know?
The original Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbons were peach-colored loops handmade in 68-year-old Charlotte Haley’s dining room. The reason we don’t use those peach-colored loops now is that she didn’t want her call to action to become a commercialized money-maker.1
October is often associated with breast cancer awareness, and it’s a time when you see a lot of pink ribbons, merchandise, and campaigns aimed at raising funds and awareness for breast cancer. As someone who deeply cares about supporting cancer patients, including my mom, a head cancer survivor, you might wonder why I don’t fully embrace the “Pinktober” movement.
First and foremost, I want to make it clear that I wholeheartedly support the cause of finding a cure for cancer and helping those affected by it. My family has been, and continues to be deeply impacted by cancer. However, over the years, I’ve questioned the effectiveness and impact of the pink ribbon campaigns that dominate October. Here’s why:
Lack of Transparency and Fake Merchandise: Many pink products on the market during October claim to support breast cancer charities, but often, only a fraction of the proceeds go towards research and patient support. It’s crucial to research the products and charities you’re supporting to ensure your money is making a real difference. Additionally, there’s a concerning issue of fake pink merchandise flooding the market, where unscrupulous sellers capitalize on the goodwill of buyers without contributing anything to charity.2 This deceptive practice can divert funds away from legitimate cancer support organizations.
Oversimplification and Unique Challenges: Simplifying a complex issue like cancer into a single color and ribbon can inadvertently trivialize the intricate challenges faced by patients and survivors. It’s crucial to appreciate that cancer encompasses a myriad of forms, impacting individuals uniquely, and each necessitates tailored support and research. 3
Year-Round and Lifelong Support: Cancer patients require support not only during treatment but also throughout their lives.4 The treatments themselves can cause long-term issues and side effects that necessitate ongoing care and assistance. This includes physical, emotional, and financial support, all of which extend far beyond the initial diagnosis and treatment phase. Some cancer patients lead normal lives before they begin treatment, having no real symptoms from the cancer itself. Cancer treatments take a huge toll on the body, though undoubtedly most survivors are usually quite happy to be alive. But the side effects of treatment can often last far into the future, sometimes for the rest of the survivor’s life. We need to be sure to be supporting them, too.
Focus on Prevention and Holistic Methods: While finding a cure is crucial, equal emphasis should be placed on prevention and early detection. Educating people about healthy lifestyles, regular screenings, and holistic methods can make a significant impact on reducing cancer rates. Holistic approaches include promoting overall wellness through nutrition, stress management, and mindfulness, which can play a vital role in preventing cancer and supporting those undergoing treatment.5
My decision not to fully embrace “Pinktober” isn’t a lack of support for cancer patients but rather a desire for more effective, year-round, and holistic approaches to fighting cancer. Let’s work together to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, including our loved ones. It’s essential to remember that cancer is not a one-size-fits-all battle. Each individual’s journey is unique, and our support should reflect that. Whether offering a listening ear, contributing to legitimate cancer support organizations, or promoting healthy lifestyles and prevention, we can all make a meaningful impact.
Stay passionate, stay informed, and keep spreading knowledge and support. 💪💕
-MeShawn
- Learn more about Charlotte Haley and the meaning behind her peach-colored ribbons ↩︎
- BBB: Know your charity as you think pink ↩︎
- A to Z List of Cancer Types ↩︎
- Life After Cancer ↩︎
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine ↩︎
- Posted in: Just a few thoughts ♦ Scam Alerts
- Tagged: advocacy, Breast Cancer, breast-cancer-awareness, Cancer, Health, pinktober, shopsmart, wellness
The 2 Tropical Gals 