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Writer's pictureAlexis Schneider

Don’t Let Breast Cancer Facts Get Pinkwashed


It’s October and you’ve probably been seeing a lot of pink.

You might be seeing:

  • Pink ribbons placed on products claiming to donate proceeds to research.

  • Pink pizza boxes.

  • Pink football helmets.

  • Cute t-shirts asking the public to “save the boobies.”

  • Pink. Pink everywhere.

And while support and awareness are wonderful, there is a term for the abundance of pink seen during October or Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Pinkwashing.


Pinkwashing

Pinkwashing is a term used to describe a company or organization that claims to care about breast cancer by promoting a pink ribbon product but at the same time produces, manufactures, and/or sells products that are linked to the disease.

I am not going to get into the specifics of these products, the chemicals in them, or their contribution to raising the risk of breast cancer (at least not in this post). In this post, as a breast cancer survivor, I simply want to bring attention to the problem of pinkwashing and what we can do to counteract it.


Be Aware

First, you need to be aware of the problem.

Did you know that only a couple of cents (if that) from each purchase of a product with a pink ribbon goes toward breast cancer research? That money rarely makes an impact on the lives of patients & survivors of the disease. The money trail of these products is almost impossible to track which leaves survivors and those fighting the disease feeling exploited.

It makes the disease about numbers rather than people. It paints over personal stories. It brushes over the struggle and turns a complicated and emotional problem into a simple pink ribbon.


Think Before You Pink

So, now that you know…what can you do? I am not saying to withhold a donation because the process is messy. Everything is messy. I am just asking you to PLEASE THINK BEFORE YOU PINK.

I participate in this month not because it is a celebration, but because I aspire to create CHANGE and live to empower others during their CANcer struggle.

Breast cancer is not pretty. It is awful — even if you have a “successful” outcome. And, there are many women who are my friends who are suffering and dying. Support your local survivor by acknowledging their struggle. Support research so that we can end this all too common crisis for women once and for all.

We don’t need any more pink ribbons, t-shirts or bracelets. We don’t need awareness, we need action.


Take Action Against Pinkwashing

But what should that action be?

Please remember to find the person behind the pink. Don’t fall for the pink marketing ploys. I encourage you to take the amount that you would spend on these “pink” items and donate it directly to a charity that directly impacts the lives of young women with breast cancer.

  • Young Survival Coalition & Living Beyond Breast Cancer are highly rated charities where the majority of the money is used for direct programs & resources. I and many others have benefited from their support.

  • If you’d like to donate to research then consider METAvivor Research and Support Inc. 100% of the donation will go toward metastatic breast cancer research.

  • If you want to stay local in Lansing, MI & donate directly to women that need financial support then It’s a Breast Thing Non-Profit Corp. should be your organization of choice.

Buying a pink ribbon, shirt, or bag of chips probably won’t make an impact, but donating $25 to a cancer support charity could make a huge difference and directly touch someone’s life.


Take CARE

Don’t forget about breast cancer when October is over, especially if you’re a woman. When the pink has faded, remember that this disease is real and it could impact you or someone you love.

Managing your risk of breast cancer should be part of your everyday life. You can manage your risk by:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight (obesity especially after menopause is problematic). Weight loss reduces your risk

  • Eating a diet that is high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables and a lower intake of fats (especially animal fats). Women with high amounts of cruciferous vegetables in their diet (broccoli) are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer

  • Controlling and reversing health conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure

  • Managing stress and maintaining positive social support (Counseling to learn healthy ways to cope can help)

  • Obtain adequate sleep and supplement with melatonin if needed

  • Limiting alcohol (known to increase estrogen levels)

  • Quit Smoking (free tools to help you Quit)

  • Other correlated risk factors include synthetic estrogens (certain chemicals like parabens found in body care products that mimic estrogen), electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure, use of NSAIDs (pain relievers). Reduce your toxic exposure

If you know someone struggling please share your love, support & get them connected with me through Lotus Life so I can help them on their healing journey!

-Alexis

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