You seem to see them everywhere, those little pink ribbons, especially in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's interesting to learn about why people wear them and what they signify in the fight against breast cancer. After all, while they may seem somewhat ubiquitous, they have become heavily commercialized. While this may seem, at first glance, to be of value in the fight against breast cancer, breast cancer awareness ribbons are not always a simple adornment.
Significance
Breast cancer awareness ribbons signify that not only that you are aware of this sometimes deadly disease, but also that you support efforts to find a cure. Revenues vary, but most products that incorporate breast cancer awareness ribbons into their designs donate either a percentage of the sales price or a flat amount. Many companies donate only a few cents per item, and cap that at a set amount, even if the item continues to sell, according to Thinkbeforeyoupink.org. The organizations that receive these funds vary, some are well known, such as the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, others receive government funding, such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Types
While the ribbon itself---grosgrain and in "150 pink," a standard color for cosmetics giant, Estee Lauder---is the original breast cancer awareness ribbon, the symbolic ribbon appears on many different products. Cosmetics company Avon came on board with a pink ribbon brooch in 1993. Other products are embossed with a pink ribbon, bracelets have the imprint of a pink ribbon and workout attire is available with pink ribbon adornment. Many products are targeted to women, although men's attire includes items such as a tie, workout shirt and golf balls that all incorporate the pink ribbon symbol.
Considerations
Thinkbeforeyoupink.org notes that some products, while seemingly focused on helping raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness, are actually contributing to the issue. For example, many cosmetics companies that feature the logo include chemicals and dyes that are linked to breast cancer. And car companies that donate sell cars whose emissions are linked to breast cancer. This process is referred to as "pinkwashing" and makes it incumbent upon those who support breast cancer awareness to be equally aware of the impact of their purchase. A pink ribbon, as the site notes, does not guarantee the product or company is providing breast cancer-inhibiting goods (see Resources).
Effects
The hope is that by wearing a pink ribbon you or someone you care about do two things: Live with awareness of the disease and actively work to combat it. By being aware, you or your daughter or partner, perhaps, continue to perform at-home self-checks monthly and practice a lifestyle that is healthy and focused on building your well being, keeping your weight healthy and exercising. Actively combating the disease means that you participate in or support activities that provide funding, help breast cancer organizations identify cluster areas or may be involved in treatments to combat the disease.
History
Ribbons, in general, became a symbol for Americans in World War II and, more recently, when the Iran hostages came home. Later, the ribbon color changed from yellow to red to support HIV/AIDS research funding. The pink color was inspired by Susan G. Komen, who used to provide pink visors to runners who completed the Race for the Cure. Later, "Self" magazine editors, looking for a way to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month, worked with Estee Lauder to not only design the ribbon, but also to make it nationally available at cosmetics counters.
