In recent years, October isn't mainly known for pumpkin lattes, fall leaves, and Halloween. Marketers have done an excellent job of "pink washing" this month for breast cancer awareness. But what does this really mean? Aren't we all AWARE of breast cancer? Does this new "awareness" lead to more cancer research or women inspired to schedule their next mammogram. Unfortunately, I think this is all very unlikely...
Meeting virtually with fellow cancer thrivers via my iRise wellness group last night, we discussed the complexities of breast cancer awareness month. It struck me that we all felt that the marketing around breast cancer awareness month (BCAM) felt more than just a little cringy. I could also see it in all the head nods that we all happen to hate the color pink- some of us even refusing to wear pink! Hah! But the marketing and visual appeal of a pink ribbon is so great, right?! I remember when the slogan "Save the tatas" became mainstream. It was catchy, mixed with a little edginess that brought a slight dose of sexuality to the cause. Breasts are beautiful, are they not? It all became a part of the marketing scheme, and unfortunately, I don't think it has led to any real, lasting change or progress.
After doing a little research, it was easy to find that the small group of iRise women that met last night are not alone in their feelings about BCAM. In fact, it was easy to find articles/blogs written about those who feel left out during a month that focuses ONLY on survivorship and breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer thrivers don't ever get to "ring the bell" as they will be dealing with breast cancer treatment for the rest of their lives. It also becomes clear that it is strange that an entire month is dedicated to BREAST cancer, when there are over 200+ cancers in the world to contend with- obviously some are not quite as "sexy" and easy to "pink wash" as breast cancer. I can imagine how someone with throat cancer, ovarian or colon cancer, might be completely annoyed by feeling doused in pink during the month of October...
With all of this said, I think it is important that we keep this conversation going. Instead of buying ANYTHING pink this month, I'm choosing to donate to actual cancer research and organizations that support women dealing with breast cancer.
I hope you will join me!
*And finally, just for laughs, a clip from one of my favorite movies, Steel Magnolias:
It feels pretty darn vulnerable to share this photo of me during chemo/cold caping treatment, but it is safe to say, breast cancer is FAR from sexy and pink...
Thank you for sharing your story and input on "Pink" it is always been touchy for me too, as Oct is also Pregnancy and Infant Loss awareness month too, along with many other "causes" in October, I appreciate the movement and fundraising I think it initially propelled for Breast Cancer Research, what are the "real" numbers today! XXOOO
Natalie