Think Before You Pink

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SIROD
SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
in Breast Cancer #1
I read this article which was recommended on another website. The article is well worth reading. Especially as October approaches when we see everything "pink", in all the grocery stores, the mall, catalogs and etc. Where does that money really go? It might answer some of your questions.

The title is: The Big Business of Breast Cancer by Lea Goldman September 14, 2011

http://www.marieclaire.com/world-reports/news/breast-cancer-business-scams

If your like me hit page 2, and then page 3 is rather annoying. This is the website if you want the article in a one page format from the print button.

http://www.marieclaire.com/print-this/breast-cancer-business-scams?page=all

It comes from a web site called Marie Claire which I am not familiar with at all. However, the content of the story is one I've been reading about for years.

Doris

Comments

  • linpsu
    linpsu Member Posts: 747
    #2
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    Think Before You Pink
    I've been reading a number of blogs over the past year or so regarding this issue - Gayle Sulik's "Think Before You Pink" is very informative on the issue of where the money goes that is earmarked for Komen. Also, Anne Silberman's blog, "But Doctor, I Hate Pink" has had some really snarky and humorous articles around October on some of the ridiculous things that marketers slap pink ribbons on in order to sell more merchandise, without having any intention of donating any of the money to breast cancer research - buckets of fried chicken, wine, Barbie dolls, sexy underwear, kitchen appliances, handguns (really??!!!). They go for people's sympathies to guilt them into buying ridiculous pink stuff "for the cure". It has really opened my eyes and I will never buy into that mindset again, EVER.
  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    #3
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    linpsu said:

    Think Before You Pink
    I've been reading a number of blogs over the past year or so regarding this issue - Gayle Sulik's "Think Before You Pink" is very informative on the issue of where the money goes that is earmarked for Komen. Also, Anne Silberman's blog, "But Doctor, I Hate Pink" has had some really snarky and humorous articles around October on some of the ridiculous things that marketers slap pink ribbons on in order to sell more merchandise, without having any intention of donating any of the money to breast cancer research - buckets of fried chicken, wine, Barbie dolls, sexy underwear, kitchen appliances, handguns (really??!!!). They go for people's sympathies to guilt them into buying ridiculous pink stuff "for the cure". It has really opened my eyes and I will never buy into that mindset again, EVER.

    September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
    Did you even know? Seen any teal or peach ribbons anywhere?

    Suzanne
  • mariam_11_09
    mariam_11_09 Member Posts: 691
    #4
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    Doris, thanks for posting
    Doris, thanks for posting this. It really echoed my sentitiments. Not only are people making plenty of money off of 'pink' items most of them are men. I was so happy, years ago when I found tampons made by a company of women for women. Not only that, for all the money pouring in we are no closer to a solution for breast cancer :(

    My daughter wanted to do the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 5k race/walk in SF. She heard about it from a friend. I am not inclined to do these things however I thought in support of her wanting to do something and feel apart of a possible solution after watching me go through breast cancer and treatment, and knowing a boy in her class whose mother is making the same journey that I would do it with her. It is a little difficult, I want her to be aware of breast cancer, treatments and options but to not become overly consumed by it because there are many other cancers out there that also need attention and there are many other things in life that also require attention. I don't want to down play breast cancer at all but when we have family in West Africa that often can't feed themselves because of drought or economy ..... it is an area we need to focus our efforts as well. Not to mention cancer over their being a death sentence from the start.

    Anyway of all the cancers to get fortunately breast cancer is the most researched and does get a great deal of attention .... I think the statistics are staggering .... worldwide.

    thanks again for bringing this to our attention.
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #5
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    Thank you for the
    Thank you for the interesting article. You must not watch "Project Runway" or you would know Marie Claire is a fashion magazine. The article makes some valid points and I like best the last page, which has some good advice.

    I have to admit that I have mixed feelings. Some of the article seems a little sensationalized to me. And I say this as I drink from a pink Komen mug that says "We're Hot for a Cure." ;-) So biased I am.

    There are many great organizations that do try and raise money to put to good use. I occasionally purchase their products. Also, I occasionally purchase a pink product (which probably doesn't support anything but the seller) because I like pink (it makes me smile) and I like being open and up front about my disease.

    Having first had this disease in the 80's, I can honestly say I would rather have all of the pink around than feel like I have to hide my disease. I do sincerely appreciate the fact that the pinkness has opened up the communication about the disease.

    What I would suggest and challenge everyone to do is, in October (Pink Month), make a donation tiny or huge, to one of the highly rated organizations (see Charity Navigator) that earmarks its money (as much as possible) to pure research. The above article had some good suggestions on the last page. I do this every October. I also give money to some other organizations such as Komen, ACS, etc that I feel have helped in many other ways and do give a portion towards research. Times are tough, but even a few dollars from numbers as large as ours can make a difference.

    And, although we may not be closer to a cure, I am living proof that there are folks living with this disease longer than could have ever been imagined back when I was first diagnosed. Next year will be my silver canniversary and we will be taking the Pink Bus out for a huge party!
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #6
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    CypressCynthia said:

    Thank you for the
    Thank you for the interesting article. You must not watch "Project Runway" or you would know Marie Claire is a fashion magazine. The article makes some valid points and I like best the last page, which has some good advice.

    I have to admit that I have mixed feelings. Some of the article seems a little sensationalized to me. And I say this as I drink from a pink Komen mug that says "We're Hot for a Cure." ;-) So biased I am.

    There are many great organizations that do try and raise money to put to good use. I occasionally purchase their products. Also, I occasionally purchase a pink product (which probably doesn't support anything but the seller) because I like pink (it makes me smile) and I like being open and up front about my disease.

    Having first had this disease in the 80's, I can honestly say I would rather have all of the pink around than feel like I have to hide my disease. I do sincerely appreciate the fact that the pinkness has opened up the communication about the disease.

    What I would suggest and challenge everyone to do is, in October (Pink Month), make a donation tiny or huge, to one of the highly rated organizations (see Charity Navigator) that earmarks its money (as much as possible) to pure research. The above article had some good suggestions on the last page. I do this every October. I also give money to some other organizations such as Komen, ACS, etc that I feel have helped in many other ways and do give a portion towards research. Times are tough, but even a few dollars from numbers as large as ours can make a difference.

    And, although we may not be closer to a cure, I am living proof that there are folks living with this disease longer than could have ever been imagined back when I was first diagnosed. Next year will be my silver canniversary and we will be taking the Pink Bus out for a huge party!

    P.S. Here is a link to some
    P.S. Here is a link to some suggested charities from Charity Navigator:

    Charities Working to Prevent and Cure Breast Cancer

    http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=497

    And I am sure Charity Navigator is not perfect, but at least it steers us away from the totally bogus charities.
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #7
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    CypressCynthia said:

    Thank you for the
    Thank you for the interesting article. You must not watch "Project Runway" or you would know Marie Claire is a fashion magazine. The article makes some valid points and I like best the last page, which has some good advice.

    I have to admit that I have mixed feelings. Some of the article seems a little sensationalized to me. And I say this as I drink from a pink Komen mug that says "We're Hot for a Cure." ;-) So biased I am.

    There are many great organizations that do try and raise money to put to good use. I occasionally purchase their products. Also, I occasionally purchase a pink product (which probably doesn't support anything but the seller) because I like pink (it makes me smile) and I like being open and up front about my disease.

    Having first had this disease in the 80's, I can honestly say I would rather have all of the pink around than feel like I have to hide my disease. I do sincerely appreciate the fact that the pinkness has opened up the communication about the disease.

    What I would suggest and challenge everyone to do is, in October (Pink Month), make a donation tiny or huge, to one of the highly rated organizations (see Charity Navigator) that earmarks its money (as much as possible) to pure research. The above article had some good suggestions on the last page. I do this every October. I also give money to some other organizations such as Komen, ACS, etc that I feel have helped in many other ways and do give a portion towards research. Times are tough, but even a few dollars from numbers as large as ours can make a difference.

    And, although we may not be closer to a cure, I am living proof that there are folks living with this disease longer than could have ever been imagined back when I was first diagnosed. Next year will be my silver canniversary and we will be taking the Pink Bus out for a huge party!

    Our Cancer Is the Indolent Kind
    Hi,

    I never watch television. I am a reader and that is how I spend my nights.

    Your cancer like mine Cynthia is probably indolent and that is why we are here to tell the tale. Our big break is with hormonal therapies. Very different than for those who are triple negative. Though many began as ER or PR positive and many become negative over time. We are lucky, ours have not.

    The amount raised for Breast Cancer didn't surprise me. I figured it had to be very high, but how much is really given to scientist is really the question out of the 6 billion a year.

    How much goes into research for stage IV? This is the stage that actually kills women and men. It is very little from all I've been reading. That upsets me tremendously. If they could cure stage IV, then breast cancer wouldn't be a problem. I believe there are to many ways for cells to become renegades, so why focus money in that area?

    What totally astonish me is the statement: In 1991, 119 women in the U.S. died of breast cancer every day. Today, that figure is 110 — a victory no one is bragging about. I really thought the figures would be different.

    I've made it a point not to buy anything with a pink ribbon over the years. I find the little progress to be very, very upsetting.

    Best,

    Doris
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #8
    Options
    Double Whammy said:

    September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
    Did you even know? Seen any teal or peach ribbons anywhere?

    Suzanne

    Aware
    Hi Suzanne,

    I am aware that different cancers have different colors. I did not know that September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. I don't believe I've read anything about it at all. BC does have a huge share of the funds.

    Best,

    Doris
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #9
    Options
    mariam_11_09 said:

    Doris, thanks for posting
    Doris, thanks for posting this. It really echoed my sentitiments. Not only are people making plenty of money off of 'pink' items most of them are men. I was so happy, years ago when I found tampons made by a company of women for women. Not only that, for all the money pouring in we are no closer to a solution for breast cancer :(

    My daughter wanted to do the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 5k race/walk in SF. She heard about it from a friend. I am not inclined to do these things however I thought in support of her wanting to do something and feel apart of a possible solution after watching me go through breast cancer and treatment, and knowing a boy in her class whose mother is making the same journey that I would do it with her. It is a little difficult, I want her to be aware of breast cancer, treatments and options but to not become overly consumed by it because there are many other cancers out there that also need attention and there are many other things in life that also require attention. I don't want to down play breast cancer at all but when we have family in West Africa that often can't feed themselves because of drought or economy ..... it is an area we need to focus our efforts as well. Not to mention cancer over their being a death sentence from the start.

    Anyway of all the cancers to get fortunately breast cancer is the most researched and does get a great deal of attention .... I think the statistics are staggering .... worldwide.

    thanks again for bringing this to our attention.

    For Mariam
    Hi Mariam,

    Your daughter is to be commended in wanting to be part of a fund raiser for breast cancer. This is one that effected her, with you having been diagnose.

    There are so many causes world wide and we all know that a lot of funds are never given to those who needs it most. There is so much greed.

    Best,

    Doris
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #10
    Options
    linpsu said:

    Think Before You Pink
    I've been reading a number of blogs over the past year or so regarding this issue - Gayle Sulik's "Think Before You Pink" is very informative on the issue of where the money goes that is earmarked for Komen. Also, Anne Silberman's blog, "But Doctor, I Hate Pink" has had some really snarky and humorous articles around October on some of the ridiculous things that marketers slap pink ribbons on in order to sell more merchandise, without having any intention of donating any of the money to breast cancer research - buckets of fried chicken, wine, Barbie dolls, sexy underwear, kitchen appliances, handguns (really??!!!). They go for people's sympathies to guilt them into buying ridiculous pink stuff "for the cure". It has really opened my eyes and I will never buy into that mindset again, EVER.

    For Linpsu: % for Research
    Years ago I read a book called "The Politics of Cancer" and that is when I began to question everything. Cancer is a big, big industry. Whenever stores have fund raisers, I make it a point on inquiring what percentage is actually given to research. If they can't tell me, then I don't give.

    I am waiting for the price to drop a little lower, I want to buy the book "Pink ribbon blues" by Gayle Sulik from my favorite book dealer.

    Best to you,

    Doris
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #11
    Options
    SIROD said:

    Our Cancer Is the Indolent Kind
    Hi,

    I never watch television. I am a reader and that is how I spend my nights.

    Your cancer like mine Cynthia is probably indolent and that is why we are here to tell the tale. Our big break is with hormonal therapies. Very different than for those who are triple negative. Though many began as ER or PR positive and many become negative over time. We are lucky, ours have not.

    The amount raised for Breast Cancer didn't surprise me. I figured it had to be very high, but how much is really given to scientist is really the question out of the 6 billion a year.

    How much goes into research for stage IV? This is the stage that actually kills women and men. It is very little from all I've been reading. That upsets me tremendously. If they could cure stage IV, then breast cancer wouldn't be a problem. I believe there are to many ways for cells to become renegades, so why focus money in that area?

    What totally astonish me is the statement: In 1991, 119 women in the U.S. died of breast cancer every day. Today, that figure is 110 — a victory no one is bragging about. I really thought the figures would be different.

    I've made it a point not to buy anything with a pink ribbon over the years. I find the little progress to be very, very upsetting.

    Best,

    Doris

    It is pure research, not
    It is pure research, not necessarily in any particular area, that will find better treatments. My opinion. There is a lot of exciting research going on now and, I believe, some of it will begin to bear fruit soon.

    My nephew is a cancer researcher at Fred Hutchinson, researching RNAi--a field that I only slightly understand and frankly boggles my mind. It is very exciting. There is an explosion of research being done now and I have to believe that some good will come of it.

    And, if someone had not done research, I wouldn't be here now. My prognosis was poor when I was first diagnosed, but a new treatment came along in the nick of time for me. No one can say that another new drug will not come along in time for someone else.

    When I was diagnosed, I was not given hope. For me, hope is everything. I think that is something I learned from cancer. I didn't know how important hope was for me until I stared death in the eyes.

    But I hear what you are saying about pink ribbons. I can understand how it may offend some.

    But, as I said before, having had a good friend who died of breast cancer in the 70's, I can honestly say that I would never want to return to the time when we didn't talk about breast cancer. For me the pink ribbons symbolize hope, love and support.

    I guess we just have to agree to disagree ;-)

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