Pink is not a Ploy for Breast Cancer Awareness

You see them everywhere, pink ribbons, t-shirts with slogans like ‘Fight like a Girl,’ and silicone bracelets offering sentiments of hope and courage.  Everyone knows what they are and what they stand for.  Their intent shows support for the sorority no one wants to join but unfortunately every 1 in 8 women does without their choosing due to breast cancer.

Some people are skeptics of the ‘pink’ products campaign, viewing it as a gimmick, a marketing ploy that companies use to make profit.  It’s understandable that some may see it like that although I would have to argue why I disagree.  While yes, companies making these products may make some profit, they’re doing something bigger than that.  In a way, they are potentially saving lives.

The ‘pink’ product campaign has purpose.  Since its inception, the pink ribbon has given new meaning to what was once just a combination of colors on the color wheel.  No longer just a color, pink is now the essence of hope, courage, and strength at a time of hardship.  Easily recognized as ‘for the cure,’ pink products promote awareness, aid in fundraising efforts to fund research, and serve as a gentle reminder to women worldwide that early detection is their best protection.

Some question why we continue to “raise awareness” when breast cancer is very commonly known, as unfortunate as that is to say.  The answer I offer- if we stop raising awareness then what will happen to the generations that are below the age of understanding the importance of yearly mammograms.  Stop now and by the time younger generations are of age, all the life-saving messages encouraging woman to take their health into their own hands will be forgotten and we could potentially revert to earlier statistics with later detection and fatal consequences.

Then there is the emotional support side of pink products.  Those that are unfortunate enough to be stricken with breast cancer can know that they are supported by family, friends, and even strangers in their struggle.  To see a family member wear a pink ribbon in honor of their strength, perseverance, and courage could quite possibly be the sentiment one needs to get them through treatments and not give up.  Positive reinforcement can offer hope at a time when there is a feeling that all hope is lost.  While a product itself may not be the direct source of surviving, it is certainly valuable to know that people care.

On the surface to question the motive of pink products is understood but after looking into the details of any company selling them, you’ll find most corporations take on social responsibility and become part of the fundraising efforts.  Most choose a charity to donate a portion of their proceeds to such prominent organizations as the American Cancer Society.  To say that companies are abusing people’s misfortune for their personal benefit would be incorrect when you see them giving back and standing behind the causes they promote through financial donations, donating products for fundraisers beyond their walls and directly participating in fundraisers.

Next time you see a pink ribbon, consider what first thought comes to mind. My guess is it will serve as a reminder that breast cancer is real and it can happen to anyone at any time.  I bet you wonder if that person wearing the pin is fighting the fight or who they are supporting.  It may be the prompt you need to make your very first or even yearly mammogram appointment.  It may move you to donate to a charity to help fund research for a cure.  If your thoughts are anything like those, that pink product is doing what it’s intended to do – save lives – and that’s no ploy.

Filed in: Think Pink Tags: breast cancer awareness • pink products • support