It’s time to stop trivializing breast cancer with lame attempts to lighten things up.
There is so much nonsense that goes on every October in the name of breast cancer awareness; it’s really quite remarkable. There could be an entire book written on October breast cancer awareness bullshit. And sadly, the bullshit is leeching out into the rest of the year as well.
One of the many things that troubles me most about all the breast cancer awareness bullshit is the trivializing of this still serious and still potentially deadly disease. And this trivializing goes on a lot.
You know what I’m talking about…
There are the outrageous, silly costumes many good-intentioned supporters who walk or run in races often wear, in the name of having a good time of course. There are brightly colored bras hung out for display on busy city streets, bra chains placed on bridges and even rocks painted to look like breasts. There are numerous awareness campaigns with cutesy slogans using words like grab, feel, tatas, boobies, honkers…. There are countless outlandish t-shirts, trinkets, and too many to keep track of carnival-like products and foods available for purchase that may, but often do not, support breast cancer anything.
There are breast cancer awareness parties held during October where organizers promote the illusion of doing something wonderfully admirable for women, but in reality the events are just another excuse to throw a party, serve silly refreshments, talk about boobs all night long and/or make money.
And then there are organizations we all know and love (that’s sarcasm) who post images of dogs wearing bras stuffed with balloons, because yeah, that makes those with breast cancer feel supported and respected and encourages the public to take a deadly disease seriously.
Image via Susan G. Komen Facebook page
How in the world does stuff like this educate the public about about the gravity of a breast cancer diagnosis, regardless of stage?
It’s all so ridiculous sometimes a person just wants to scream, or hide, or both during October.
But I do neither (okay, sometimes I do). Mostly, I keep at it. I keep churning out blog posts. I keep talking to anyone who’s willing to listen.
Why?
Because breast cancer is still a deadly disease taking 40K lives annually in the US alone. And those of us who do not die from it, are often impacted horrendously by short and long term side effects from treatment. It’s never over.
Breast cancer is not pretty, pink, or party-like in any way, shape or form. Period.
The end does not justify the means.
Portraying it as party-like and demeaning women while also trivializing a still too often deadly disease is irresponsible, anything but supportive and just plain wrong.
Call me a wet blanket if you want. I’ve been called worse.
I say it’s time to stop trivializing breast cancer, in fact, it’s way past time.
You might want to read, Has Feminism Dropped the Ball In Breast Cancer Awareness?
Do you feel breast cancer is trivialized, or do you think any attention is a good thing?
Do you ever feel demeaned or offended by awareness campaigns?
This is so ridiculous.
NOTE FROM NANCY: I wrote about cancer language, cancer worry, survivor guilt, loss, pet grief, COVID-19, DIEP flap surgery, life as an introvert, aging, resiliency, and more in EMERGING. Available at Amazon and most other online booksellers. It’d mean a lot to me if you’d consider reading it. Click HERE or on the image below to purchase.
laura
Monday 30th of October 2023
i will (gently) argue one small point: the puppy pic. dogs that do not get spayed are at a higher risk for mammary gland tumours/cancer.
out of my 5 closest friends, 3 of us rec'ed cancer diagnoses w/in the last 18 months: cervical, breast & colo-rectal. i'm coming up on my first year cancer free, one is under-going post treatment tests and the other is about to begin radiation for her breast cancer; she's completed chemo, about to have her port pulled and is so goddamn brave and upbeat i cry after every phone call. i think i grieved her hair loss harder than she did. but we're all in agreement: we all had the resources for treatment: insurance and a support system. the saddest were those without the support system. i'd like to see more money going to women in treatment, whether it's skin care products or grocery/utility money.
thank you for the article; i'll be sending it on.
l.
Nancy
Wednesday 1st of November 2023
Laura, I certainly don't want any pups being at greater risk, but that's an entirely different topic. So, no worries about any "argument" whatsoever. I'm sorry to hear about all the cancer diagnoses within your circle of friends. I hope they are all doing alright. I hope you are too. Yay, on that upcoming cancerversary. You are so right about those of us lucky enough to have good insurance and strong support systems having a leg up. Many are not as fortunate and need assistance with the things you mentioned. There's a lot of need, that's for sure. My focus remains on research because ultimately that helps us all. But those other things are important too. Local support for those basics is vital.
Terry S
Wednesday 18th of October 2023
Your website is a Godsend. Had my second mastectomy in August after being diagnosed for the first time 20 years ago. If one more person tells me "how great I look" I'll have a meltdown in Main Street. Hormone therapy has been a rough ride and am on my second type of drugs. As everyone has said, it's just not over. I feel like October is a token month, and then we're supposed to keep it under wraps. Everyone's done their part-account paid. I do think it's minimized-I liked when you said it's an amputation (not just a "little" surgery and then we're back to normal). Love your blog and support!
Nancy
Tuesday 24th of October 2023
Terry, Thank you for the kind words about my writing and website. I try! So much minimizing goes on - I know most of the time it's meant to be supportive - but... Well, you know. I hope you're healing well after your latest surgery. Do take care and thank you for taking time to comment.
Linda Hutcheson
Tuesday 26th of October 2021
Thank you for this. As a newly diagnosed early stage breast cancer patient, I feel like I’m not supposed to be upset about it because of this weird phenomenon around it that you describe. Someone close to me actually told me my cancer wasn’t a big deal. I’ve had a hard time letting any emotions out and showing my true anxiety and fear. This article validated many of my feelings. Thank you…
Nancy
Wednesday 27th of October 2021
Linda, I hear you. It's upsetting thinking you're not supposed to be upset. Breast cancer is too often described as the good cancer. Um, no. There is no good cancer. I'm glad this article offered some validation. Thank you for letting me know. My best to you as you navigate your cancer experience. You're not alone and always welcome here.
Rosalee
Wednesday 16th of October 2019
I agree Nancy all of this pink propaganda is so demeaning.
Nancy
Saturday 19th of October 2019
Rosalee, It is indeed.
Joyce Josephson
Thursday 5th of November 2015
OMG Those mammogram breast smores... I feel sick.
I am so glad that I found your blog, Nancy. I am still trying to discern whether to go ahead with a second mastectomy or not.
This is an essay I wrote the beginning of October. I posted it briefly on facebook, alarmed some friends, then hid it. I would like to share it here, if that's okay.
Many companies who flood the marketplace with an overabundance of pink each October exploit breast cancer for corporate gain; to polish their image or improve their bottom line. I personally believe this profusion of pink trivializes the trauma and disfigurement of breast cancer experienced by those who have been diagnosed with this disease, even those of us whose cancer was “caught” in an early stage.
In December of 2009 I was diagnosed with stage zero DCIS in my left breast. Because it was in multiple ducts I was told that a lumpectomy would not suffice; that I needed a mastectomy. At the time, I had just gone through the most difficult year of my life, so I was barely fazed by the diagnosis or the mastectomy and first phase of reconstruction that followed in late February of 2010. I developed an infection 2 weeks after my surgery, was hospitalized and given IV antibiotics for a week. My condition wasn’t improving, so I consented to have the tissue expander (the first step of reconstructive surgery) removed.
Reconstructive surgery is not the simple fix it's touted to be. An implant, for example, involves multiple surgeries and procedures. I was told by my plastic surgeon that symmetry of the implant alongside the natural breast (unclothed) was not a realistic expectation. Also, there was no guarantee that I would not develop an infection or allergic process again.
Five plus years have passed since that reversal surgery. I wear a prosthetic bra with prosthesis so I look normal and feel normal when I go out. But I find it physically uncomfortable, and at times even painful. Taking off my bra used to be the first thing I would do when I got home. Now I keep the bra on until I can’t stand it anymore. Then I switch to a camisole with stuffing or put on an extra layer. Otherwise, I feel naked and exposed. My only respite from this routine is when I go to bed.
I lock the bedroom door and avoid mirrors when I dress and undress. I lock the bathroom door when I shower, even when no one else is home. Showering is a bizarre and numbing experience - my mind disconnects from my body.
A week ago, I had my annual visit at the breast care center. My mammogram was normal. After she examined me, my doctor asked, as she does every year "so, do you want to do anything..." I said "Yes. I want my right breast lopped off."
I know there are worse things in life. I am grateful that I am cancer free. Please don't judge me, pity me or try to solve this “problem” for me. Instead, please... just think before you pink.
Nancy
Saturday 7th of November 2015
Joyce, Thank you for sharing. And yes, those mammogram s'mores. Sort of harmless, but then again...