Losing my sweet stepmother to breast cancer in August was a heartbreaking experience for my siblings and me. She had been battling the disease on and off for 18 years, showing incredible strength and resilience throughout. However, as October rolled around, everything turned pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
I remember attending my gym on a Wednesday, which had been designated as a “wear pink” day. As I watched the instructor demonstrate weightlifting moves in pink attire, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of grief wash over me. The phrases on everyone’s workout gear, such as “Save the tatas,” “Warrior,” and “I love boobies,” seemed to hit me harder than ever before.
During that class, my mind wandered back to the last moments of my stepmom’s life. Surrounded by her children and sisters, there were no pink ribbons or warrior talk—only raw, painful emotions. She had always disliked the idea of battling cancer, as if it were a fight that could be won simply by sheer willpower. The reality is that many people, like her, lose their lives to this disease despite their best efforts.
While I appreciate the efforts of those who deck themselves out in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I can’t help but feel that some miss the true meaning behind it. I overheard two women at the gym chatting happily about their stylish pink workout gear, and it made me wonder if they were more focused on fashion than cancer awareness.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month has grown into one of the most successful women’s health campaigns, thanks to the efforts of organizations like the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries. The iconic pink ribbon has become synonymous with breast cancer awareness, raising significant funds for research and medical advancements. This has undoubtedly played a role in extending the lives of many patients, including my stepmother.
However, there is a dark side to this pink phenomenon known as “pinkwashing.” Some corporations use pink merchandise to appear supportive of breast cancer awareness while simultaneously selling products that may be harmful to women’s health. Breast Cancer Action has raised awareness about this issue, highlighting the lack of transparency and accountability in pink ribbon marketing.
As we navigate through Breast Cancer Awareness Month and see the world turn pink, let’s not forget the true purpose behind the movement. It’s not just about wearing a pink ribbon or sporting pink gear—it’s about raising awareness, supporting those affected by the disease, and advocating for better healthcare practices. Let’s honor the memories of those we’ve lost and fight for a future where breast cancer is no longer a threat.
