The young mom coos at her six-month-old child as she reaches to rub noses with her baby girl. The child releases a gleeful sound of delight. The love between the two wafts across the room. I inhale deeply. Then remember where I am.
This isn’t just any room.
This is the breast cancer waiting room.
This woman is fighting for her life.
Both the woman and her baby are almost bald. The mom lost all her hair. The baby has yet to grow hers. The surgeries and chemotherapy have taken an incalculable toll on this momma, yet the woman is here to fight for the chance grasp her baby girl one more day.
These kinds of scenes surround me. Women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s—and even some men (one out of 100 breast cancers occurs in men) fighting for their lives. Their children. Their futures.
I see these women every time I return to my doctors’ offices. I don’t know how many dozens, even hundreds, of moms and dads and babies and toddlers I’ve seen in the waiting room over the last few years.
All too often I have to look away to hide my tears.
My oncologist, whom I call The Queen, warned me that October would be the hardest month of the year. It is for all her patients.
You may be wondering why.
The pink ribbon reminds us of the pain. The suffering. The losses. The trauma. The horror. The unspeakable.
Like Fourth of July fireworks to a veteran returning from war, some women find the pink ribbon is a trigger to their PTSD or memories of unspeakable pain and horror.
People like to glom onto phrases like the “great improvements in treatment” and all those “medical advances.”
And there are some. Just far too few. People like that sweet momma I described are dying every day. In fact, hospitals are seeing an uptick in the cases of breast cancer among women in their teens, 20s and 30s.
No one knows why. Theories abound, but as of yet, there’s no real explanation.
But if you knew what some of us know. If you’d seen what some of us have seen. If you’d been tortured alive like some of us have been tortured, you’d wince, too.
October is breast cancer awareness month. This is the time of year our nation will glow in pink.
Six billion dollars, yes $6,000,000,000.00 will be raised this year in the name of breast cancer.
But how much of that is going to research? Pennies on the dollar.
An enormous amount goes to “awareness.” This is where it becomes blurry fast. Because if you’re going to remind folks to get a mammogram why not put your huge logo and pink ribbon on the billboard. This can be called “awareness” but most of us would just call it “marketing.” In addition, millions are spent to defend the trademark of the pink ribbon logo and “for a cure”.
We’re grateful for the awareness. Women and men need to get checked if they notice anything suspicious no matter what their age. Affordable testing needs to be made available. Early detection is everything.
But the dirty secret of the pink ribbon is just how little money goes to research.
The largest pink crusading company only donates .16 of every dollar to research. “Despite the fact that Komen trademarked the phrase ‘for the cure,’ only 16 percent of the $472 million raised in 2011, the most recent year for which financial reports are available, went toward research,” according to The New York Times.
Sixteen cents won’t buy a cure. Sixteen cents hasn’t been buying a cure.
As an article from Marie-Claire notes:
“Yet what many in the breast cancer community are loathe to admit, despite all these lifesaving developments, is that, in fact, we are really no closer to a cure today than we were two decades ago.
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. Breast cancer remains the leading cancer killer among women ages 20 to 59; more than 1.4 million new cases are diagnosed annually worldwide. Roughly 5 percent, or 70,000, breast cancer patients are diagnosed at a late stage, after the cancer has metastasized — that rate hasn’t budged since 1975, despite all the medical advances and awareness campaigns.”
I have too many friends whose lives are on the line right now.
They need the whole dollar going to research.
That momma I described. She needs the whole dollar going to research. My friends whose lives are in the balance need the whole dollar going to research. I need the whole dollar going to research. We all do. Why? Only research will save lives. Many of the advancements in breast cancer research are spilling over to other kinds of cancer. And the research breakthroughs we have in the United States will impact cancer care around the world.
We appreciate the ways these large organizations are raising “awareness”, but we they must do better, we must do better to fight for scientific breakthroughs to save lives.
Here are four ways you can make a real difference in the fight against breast cancer this month:
1. Give directly to researcher.
Most of the large breast cancer organizations have heavy overhead and spend far more on awareness than on research. Only research will find a cure. Cut out the middleman in your financial giving and give directly to researchers. Allow 100% of every dollar to go to the researchers. Here are three to consider:
- Cufund.org and click on “Give Now” on top of the page. Write the name of the fund: Young Women’s Breast Cancer. This directly supports the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Translational Program, founded by Dr. Virginia Borges, which is committed to identifying the cause for increased risk of death for young woman with breast cancer.
- Dana Farber: Direct your gift to support the breast cancer research fund.
- Mayo Clinic. Direct your gift toward cancer research.
2. Engage in an alternative breast cancer walk.
The walks, runs, and races offer a prime opportunity for women and families impacted by breast cancer to connect. The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer requires participants to raise a minimum of $1800 per person. Again, only a small percentage goes to research. Check out their low rating on Charity Navigator. If that’s what you want to do—go for it. But consider the following options:
- Organize a walk, getaway, or retreat with friends. Give the funds that would have been raised to a person you know battling cancer to help pay down their medical bills. Even with insurance, the bills are mindboggling. Most people in a significant battle with cancer will hit maximum out of pocket for at least the next five years. Many will hit the ceiling of coverage in certain areas leaving them with the option to pay anyway or go without treatment. I know people still paying off the medical bills of the spouse they lost 10 years ago.
- Organize an outdoor excursion like a hike, bike ride, or swim meet, as a fundraiser for a specific researcher who focuses on the specific type of cancer your friend battles.
3. Look for local, grassroots opportunities to give.
Sometimes the most effective giving opportunities are by local, passionate people who have done their research and want to be sure their efforts are making a tangible difference. These local organizations are often volunteer led and don’t bear the heavy overhead costs. One of my friends, Carol, works with a local cancer walk every year. Everything is volunteer based. All—100%—of the proceeds go to cancer research. These smaller efforts can make a huge difference.
My hunch is that somewhere in your town you’ll find a low-overhead, non-profit to help those battling cancer. They may be providing housing, childcare, help with medical bills, or more. Seek them out. Volunteer your time, energy, and resources to these kinds of organizations where all of the money is making a direct impact.
Before you buy pink, use Charitynavigator.com to look up the charity you’re considering supporting. Their rankings just may surprise you!
4. Appeal to your state politicians for more funding.
The money raised during October and given to research is chump change compared to what the National Institute of Health can provide in grants for research. The War on Cancer was launched by the National Cancer Act of 1971. The Department of Defense contributes to cancer research. But the amount of federal funds going to clinical trials is dropping. Send an email to your state senator and representative and let them know you want to see more federal funding for research.
You can reach out to them and ask them to increase government spending for cancer research through the National Institute of Health here: Contact the Congress.
5. Triple check who you’re giving to.
In May, the FTC accused four cancer charities of fraud—the Cancer Fund of America, Cancer Support Services, Children’s Cancer of America, and the Breast Cancer Society—for spending almost $187 million in donations on dating website subscriptions and luxury vacations. Only 3 cents of every dollar went to cancer patients. So do a little reading before you make that donation.
The Queen says that over time October will get easier. I suspect she’s right—especially if every October means we move closer to a cure.
Margaret, Thank you so much for this informative article. I had NO IDEA! As my Mom is a breast cancer survivor (x2) along with other survivor friends, I have often given to the Komen fund. This year my donation will be sent to an organization that truly funds research. I also checked out my ‘monthly donation’ organizations and was pleased to find them on the ‘best’ list. Thanks again for sharing your life and your journey with us and may God continue to bless you richly. Praying for you and your family. Hugs, Hugs, Hugs!
I had no idea how little money actually went into research. I think I’m doing my part in raising awareness but you’ve opened my eyes. Thank you for sharing and my donations will go where the research is going to be done.
Margaret, thank you so much for sharing. I have heard many of these things regarding big cancer research organizations, I’ve not heard the information presented in such an informative and concise manner….PLUS options of what TO do to further cancer research (Love that!). While I battle a different type of cancer (not breast cancer), I wholeheartedly echo all you’ve said! Thank you for sharing! ~Nancy
Margaret,
I know some really good people who work for some of these big organizations who are committed to finding the cure. I would love to hear a response from someone with one of those organizations. A true conversation would have even greater impact. Thanks for this post.
I still would like to have a dialogue between someone with the Susan G. Komen organization to talk about what they do and describe the rationale behind their decisions. Taking care of someone fighting breast cancer is not un-important.
I was diagnosed in 2005 with stage II breast cancer, 2007 was given news I’m in remission, 2011got news it had spread now stage IV, I am terminal. I wish they would get rid of the pink ribbon campaign. There are more people complaining every year about it, so much cancer, why does this one deserve so much attention over the rest? I have never received anything from Susan G Komen, no support, guidance, not even any information!!! When I wanted to do the walk, the cost was much more than this cancer patient on disability could afford & the person at the registration was almost rude, I left in tears!!!! I do Relay for Life, they support all cancer research & a cure for cancer.
I agree with you! I am so tired of the pink ribbon and women survivors who brag about being a hero! The real hero’s are the ones who suffer in silence!
Margaret, such important information. Thank you for sharing this so clearly and with alternatives. Bless you!
Thank you for writing this. It is unfortunate that “awareness” campaigns seem to have become a new industry by which to make money, while very little of what is donated actually goes to helping people who suffer. Very important that we all know where all of our donation goes when we give.
My 34 year old daughter was diagnosed in 2013 with Stage III advanced/invasive Breadt Cancer. She nursed her baby for a year and stopped in Dec 2012. She is a Labor/Delivery nurse and In May 2012 she noticed something wrong with right breast. She had immediate chemo then a double mastectomy, radiation, and oral chemo because it was still in 5 of 6 lymph nodes. She is awaiting a reconstruction after second PET scan this December. It is tentatively scheduled for Feb. We do not give to Susan Koman because of how little monies go to actual research and because part of it also goes to planned parenthood. Researched it a long time ago. I participate in Strides for Life which money does go to research. Thank you Margaret for getting it out.
Research is a good thing if the money is really going to research. Many people support American Cancer Society thinking the money is going to help local cancer patients and it is not. I work for a local non-profit cancer association, Halifax County Cancer Association, and we provide financial assistance to cancer patients. We receive no funds from any national cancer organization. We are totally funded by local people and donations from friends and family of local people. We are a rural community and our patients are traveling 40 miles or more one way for treatments. In 2013 we helped with gas to travel in the amount of $78,000 and with $18,000 for medication assistance. The only qualification to receive or services is live in Halifax County VA and have cancer, we do not ask income questions nor do we are what a persons income is before we help them. You can visit our website at http://www.hccahope.org.
Margaret. Thank you for your information. We need to know how our donation is used. Do not be afraid to ask what % goes to research. You shared your cancer story with such grace last year and I pray I will do the same.
I had a mastectomy 9/24 and will start chemotherapy soon.
God Bless You
It is so easy to get caught up in the “marketing” and miss the reality. Thanks for the information and for alternatives.
I applaud you, Margaret! Thank the Lord, I am celebrating 15 years in October since my diagnosis (yes, it came during Breast Cancer Awareness Month), and for several years I did the Komen walk because of the “sisterhood” of rubbing shoulders with truly remarkable women. But since the mess with Planned Parenthood, I have stopped … yet have thought of getting some friends together and doing a grass roots-type walk or run. God bless you for your concise info and honesty. You are encouraging many!
Great info, Margaret. You know, I was thinking about how October was Breast Cancer awareness month just the other day. I lost my mom to breast cancer in 1991.and in 2000 I took part in that Avon 3Day walk and was really glad I did it…even though I knew (even back then) that so little of it goes to research. For me, I think it was part of my healing journey from losing my mom. It’s interesting, but I see people flood FB with ribbons, etc in October and I never ever do it personally. While drifting off to sleep the other night I realized one of the reasons I don’t do it is because I am aware of it every single day of my life. Perhaps, that’s not the right attitude to have, but that’s how I feel. Thanks for sharing some alternative things we can do.
Thank you, Margaret, for sharing your battle with us while continuing to teach and share from God’s word. It’s a privilege to pray with you and for you. May I share some of my own feelings about this crazy pink month’s activities?
I applaud your appeal for folks to be mindful when raising and donating money for breast cancer or any cause. There are several online organizations whose work is to evaluate not for profit organizations and report the percent of funds raised used for research, programs, and administration. Charity Navigator reports that Susan G. Komen spends 82.8% on programs and services. Your appeal for money raised to go 100% to research reflects your own desires. I respect that. I support several organizations whose primary work is funding and evaluation of research because I don’t want anyone to experience cancer as you and I and too many others have.
The information I have read says the Susan G. Komen foundation is not focused on research although they are the largest private funder of breast cancer research, but founded on a sister’s dying wish about the experience of having breast cancer to “make it better”. “Better” means funding prevention and a cure. “Better” means funding mammograms for those who can’t afford them so perhaps they will be diagnosed earlier. “Better” means providing care and support for those battling cancer in our home communities. This is achieved primarily by channeling grants to other local breast cancer service providers – grass roots organizations that depend on the Komen fundraising on their behalf. And “better” means continuing to keep the fight for prevention, cure and better treatment and followup at the highest level of attention by winning the marketing battle that competes for the attention of our dollars. Komen remains an efficient, effective, transparent organization fighting breast cancer.
So, I’ve chosen to wear pink, walk with other survivors and supporters, stand on the fields, and courts and wherever called to be the face of cancer so no one will forget the friends that I’ve lost and those that are suffering. In addition I’ll advocate more research funds. And, I encourage everyone to support organizations fighting cancer that most closely represent their own goals and desires. It isn’t all about money, either. Volunteer, offer your skills, find out if someone around you-at work, at church, in the neighborhood- needs a ride, lawn mowed, or a hug. Thank you for caring!
Candice,
I’m a 7-year survivor and while you applaud “better” isn’t good enough for all my friends who are dead from breast cancer and their kids who are being raised by dads or have been turned over to foster parents. The question really what is “better”. Charity Navigator gives Komen barely two out of four stars. What is “better”? “Better” doesn’t work when you spend millions with lawyers defending “for a cure” but don’t spend the money you’re raising on finding a cure.
“Better” doesn’t work when you spend more to the president of a non-profit than we do to the President of the United States (almost double).
“Better” doesn’t work when you give the most money but still waste the most money.
Consider Breast Cancer Research Fund which gets four of four stars on Charity Navigator and they give 88% of their funds to research.
When you’ve had breast cancer, you know the importance of every dollar. And now with Obamacare we don’t need someone getting free mammograms–they are available to all. Let’s get the money to research.
AND….If you buy a container of miso, either the dark or light, you will read on the paper inside that consumption of miso soup has reduced breast cancer by 50%! Miso is fermented soy. You can get it in any natural marketplace. I get it here in AZ in Sprouts. Whole Foods also carries it. And you can go to Dr. Weil’s site and get a good recipe for it.
Cancer is a huge business for big Pharma. I refuse to contribute to them. But God put natural things on this planet that can help prevent it. I had posted previously with links on things that we eat that has been the cause of the rise in cancer and it’s in your food, put there by Monsanto.
Exactly!! People are “fighting”to find a cure while consuming the very thing that is part of the cause…food.
I had no idea about just how little goes toward research. I will be using an alternate route.
Unfortunately, all this is so true!!!
After I was diagnosed Oct 17, 2011 I began researching assistance availability. I started chemo two weeks to the day of diagnosis and had to quit work one week later due to all the multiply side effects of chemo. I was only 46 years old. I am a hospice nurse and know about the Komen foundation and have for years. So I was convinced there was ways to “qualify” for assistance financially. Guess what? There isn’t!!! Here I was diagnosed with breast cancer and of all the funds given and all the BIG name supporters I did not qualify for one dime…….. I was mortified and in disbelief. My husband and I and many family and friends have donated and participated in countless fund raisers.
Long story short: we survived but it was hard as hell!!!! Three years later we are STILL paying off bills and rebuilding. It was thru local organizations and individuals that we squeezed through. Where I live center of Kansas there aren’t any local supporters and origanizstions. We are slowly building a cancer fund for local folks that don’t “qualify”. People give to individuals, go pay their utility bill, daycare, get them a grocery or gas card, or just plain cash. Let me tell you from experience, besides trying to cope with cancer its out right impossible to try to use what energy or emotions you have to keep from getting your utilities shut off.
Give directly and with compassion and with love. You can walk all the walks you want and that’s great for your health but when it’s comes to giving or donating to a fund…….be aware of where your money is going and who you are actually helping!
This is one of the BEST and most accurate articles I have seen in a long time. Thx!!!!
Margaret, thanks for that revealing information. I agree completely that we need to put more money into research. I see the effects of cancer, many kinds of cancer every day at my work as a diagnostic imager. We see undiagnosed, newly diagnosed, those being treated, and those suffering the effects of the disease. We wonder how and why this happens, but try to smile and give these “victims” the kindness they deserve. What courage I have seen! Many patients never complain and ask about our lives and it breaks my heart thinking we may never see them again.
I am also a member of the Eastern Sierra Breast Cancer Alliance, which, as you described, is an organization that collects funds to give to local residents who are fighting cancer. The money helps them pay bills, travel to treatment appointments, etc. I also urge people to contribute to local organizations that will help those fight the disease. Times are tough, as they always say, and it is even tougher for those battling this enemy.
Thanks Margaret for this information and our prayers are with you for a total recovery!
Not everybody hates pink. I am reminded that people support the pink because they support me and my fight. They want to help (they don’t know how) so they buy the pink and the pink ribbons and they fight with me in the only way they know how. Look beyond the marketing and see the support. The people who realize how much cancer takes from a woman and how much those women mean to their families. How much cancer takes. Once a year (or all year when I see them) the pink ribbon reminds me that the whole nation wants to see this cancer gone. That fight is with me and for me and I love it. I hate cancer. I hate how it is still affecting my family 2 years post diagnosis. I know the fear. I was diagnosed while pregnant. And pink makes me feel supported and loved.
Thanks for the sharing this information and many of our (individuals diagnosed with cancer) opinions. God bless you.
Thanks for the sharing this information and many of our (individuals diagnosed with cancer) opinions. God bless you!
Thank you for your very practical suggestions on how to make more of a difference with our funds.
Thanks for the concise info concerning giving. That word needs to get to the giving public. And…
why hate pink, pink ribbons or October? I don’t see any of those as reminders of that horror in my life. I have other reminders of that. I have chosen to use pink/pink ribbons to reflect hope and courage to myself and to others. If our society recognizes a color and symbol, why not use it to remind women to have mammograms, to encourage and support those battling the disease, to help make a difference. Whether we are wearing pink or running or walking, we need to make sure our friends and neighbors have the correct information concerning giving.
Indeed, Jane. Tomorrow marks the sixth anniversary of my diagnosis (yes, Oct. 1). I’ve been cancer free 5 1/2 years. My six-year mark is Feb. 19. Pink does not bother me; it comforts me. I also see it as a tool to remind women to do all those things you said.
Although I agree more could be given has anyone stopped to do the math on 16% of $472 million? $75.5 million. This is a mere drop in the bucket compared to the total amount raised however it is $75 million donated to the cause. People who buy pink just want to help, just want to contribute
to the fight and $75.5 million is more than 0%.
So we are supposed to celebrate waste? And the misleading notion they are for a cure when only .19 cents is for a cure? That’s not applaud able. “Better than nothing” is what you say to kids having a brownie sale not a nearly half a billion dollar a year company that’s misleading people into thinking the funds they are raising are for a cure.
By they way, they spend millions in lawyers tracking down every mom and pop start up –kayaking for a cure, biking for a cure–and suing them for using the phrase “for a cure”. Those are people who want to give all the money to research.
So no ” better than nothing” doesn’t work in this case.
Miss Hall’s School … Miss Hall’s School is an all girls boarding and day school located in the beautiful Berkshires of Massacpphusetts for grades 9-12.nitinaePlease subscribe and watch our videos!!! +1Was this answer helpful?
We’re warmer than you are today! Only -6, but it did clear overnight so will probably continue to drop. Glad to here from you, now that things have quieted down from the holidays. Trust you had a great time.
Celine Jeg leser grill innlegget som en slags ironisk kommentar og ikke definisjonen pÃ¥ feminist. Jeg griller gjerne selv sÃ¥ lenge det er pølser, men overlater “ordentlig” kjøtt til mannen. Noen tanker om det? Men jeg lager alltid salaten, da, men gubben min kan ikke se opp ned pÃ¥ en tomat
And number five, act locally… if you know of a local breast cancer patient in need, please don’t wait on a middle man. The patient needs your help and support now, although they will be hard pressed to admit it…. Order a pizza for the household, Contact ‘Cleaning for a Reason’, offer help somehow ( a casserole would do wonders) and simply be there in any capacity you can. You will be so much more effective locally than globally in this way, and your donation dollars (no matter how small) will go so much further. From a cancer survivor! xo
Margaret! Zowies!
Incredible facts.
I’ve always had a problem with the notion of me making a donation and getting a t-shirt or something for it. I want the money to go to where I’m donating.
Thank you for sharing this and giving suggestions. It will make a difference.
Still praying for you.
I have a small preschool in Laurel, Maryland, i have 1 open preschool space (ages 3-5), I would like to donate the space for a year to a family that has medical bills related to breast cancer treatment. I am a single mother of 4 children and an independent business owner. This a $10,000 donation to a family so please understand that you will need to prove your expenses through my scholarship application process. I don’t want to post the name of my school, if you know someone that needs the help, respond to this message, i will follow up.
Very well said and written! I especially like your suggestion to look for local, grassroots opportunities to give. However, you may not be aware that Charity Navigator does not review most of those smaller organizations. According to their guidelines, they will only evaluate charities that receive public support of more than $500,000, with total revenue more than $1,000,000.
For a more thorough list of nonprofit organizations, with detailed info available about each one, go to http://www.guidestar.org/. GuideStar gathers and disseminates information about every single IRS-registered nonprofit organization.
Gosh Margaret, I had no idea. Thank you for this new “awareness.” I will share with friends. I would love to know just how you are doing. Please know you and your family are in my daily thoughts and prayers. How are your parents?
Thank you soo much for sharing your stories & the info. Does anyone know anything about the “Look Good Feel Better” program through the American Cancer Society? My boyfriend’s mom got breast cancer last year, thankfully she was able to catch it early enough to have it removed before having to go through chemo or radiation. I have also had other family members pass away from other types of cancer so I have been searching for a program or a way that I can help other cancer patients or survivors. I am an independent distributor for a new, naturally based cosmetic & skincare line so I thought that would be perfect bc I can help host fundraising links & donate part or all of my commission to whatever program I choose, usually 10-20%. I thought the program I mentioned above would be perfect bc not only are our products healthier for people to use (made with quality all natural ingredients, free of parabens, chemicals, fillers, talc, fragrances & dyes) but they also look amazing on everyone & are an instant mood lifter. I would also like to have products donated directly to help cancer patients & survivors so if anyone is interested in being on a list to accept some of these free products to try please email me rdf1212@icloud.com. Please also let me know if you would like to host an online fundraising purchase link- I have a contract form that we can sign & the money raised can be sent within a week from the fundraiser date by certified funds. The money can be used to pay for your medical bills, living expenses, etc. I don’t have a lot of money myself but I would love to help out however I can bc I have seen firsthand how stressful & scary cancer can be for the patient & the family & I also think it is very important to be aware of chemicals & fillers in the products we are using & also in the foods we eat. I am based out of Orange County, California but my offers are open to anyone anywhere at anytime (this is something I want to do year round not just Oct) since it can all be done online. If you have a special event locally close to me I would love to help out so please email me that info too.
***Here is a link showing one of my products that I would like to have donated- it was featured on the Doctors tv-show: http://www.thedoctorstv.com/videos/magic-mascara
**an example of a fundraising link can be seen at http://www.try3dmascara.com
Wonderful, what a web site it is! This website gives valuable facts to us, keep it up.
I have long felt a bit of anger at many of the ribbon campaigns as they now are like just another thing out there in a chaotic mess of causes. There are better ways to raise awareness. Even the walks seem to become more about the event than the cause. Another T-shirt. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt kind of thing. With my two best friends waging battles against breast cancer at the same time… very different types… one more aggressive… one not so aggressive but not responding to treatment. I feel as if the best things we can do depending on our level of income and influence is to a) Be there for the cancer patient (do what they need you to do… help in the ways they need your help) … anonymously pay some bills you know are not covered… b) get other friends involved in helping… donating also… agree not to buy coffee at Starbucks even one day a week or whatever and gather that money… and give it to the family… c) donate to the cancer researchers at the hospitals where they are being treated… d) be willing to donate blood if needed… e) comment on social media about where to give… and educate others… The Komen Foundation is one of the worst … In my opinion, and I have worked for two Not for Profit organizations… if more than 15% is being spent on Administration or Salaries or awareness… then something is not right. Others may disagree… but I want my money… what little I have … to go to the people who need it. If I have to mail it directly to the lab or the school or the hospital… then I will do it. A pink ribbon fades on a car bumper or wherever… and who wears the T-shirts… it is not like they are reminding people regularly. To me, it is like … something is lost in the translation. I would rather take the money for the stuff they give you… for the mass marketing… for the shoes you might need to buy for the two or three day walks… and give it where it will be used the best. And most of all, pray without ceasing.
Thank you for stepping up on this issue Margaret! I hope you’ll check us out – we’re 100% volunteer staffed 501c3 (The Provision Project) and our mission is to provide financial relief to women in active treatment for breast cancer. http://www.provisionproject.org We started in January and have been helping women and their families, one by one – and more all the time. God has been so faithful. Please pray for us! Thank you again! Joyce Owen
I am a breast cancer survivor. Had it not been for the mammogram I had in October 2001, as a direct result of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is likely that my cancer would have gone undetected until it was too late. Early detection was the key. Breast Cancer Awareness Month made the difference for me. I really don’t think I would have noticed a pink ribbon on a billboard.
You do not give a source for your 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,” although I did find similar data in the SEER report. I also found that the 5 year survival rate for women with breast cancer has increased from 75.2% in 1975 to 91% in 2007. (SEER 9 Incidence & U.S. Mortality 1975-2012) That is HUGE! Surely research played a part in that incredible gain.
In the same article by Marie Claire sited by you, she states, “There is no denying that money raised for research has been instrumental in the fight against breast cancer. Sophisticated digital mammography has reduced the risk of false-positive diagnoses; the discovery of genetic markers has allowed women with increased risk for breast cancer to weigh their preventive options early; drugs like Herceptin, which targets the proteins responsible for a cancer cell’s growth, have demonstrated remarkable results in the 20 percent of patients afflicted with the particularly aggressive HER2-positive form of breast cancer. Doctors warn that there are never any absolutes when it comes to breast cancer, but for the 60 percent of women diagnosed at the earliest stage, survival is virtually guaranteed.” Apparently you chose not to include this in your blog.
Seventy-four percent (74%) of the money raised by The American Cancer Society goes to program services including cancer research, patient support, prevention information/education, and detection and treatment. The remaining 26% of funds raised goes to Fundraising Expenses and Management and General Expenses. Those in the financial world are pretty clear that fundraising and marketing are key to raising monies for charities.
There are many faulty organizations who claim to be non-profit, but give very little to the actual cause. As the article by Marie Claire supports, there is money to be had in the name of Breast Cancer Awareness and the color pink in October. Far too many corrupt businesses have jumped on the bandwagon to make their profit from pink shirts, pink ribbons, and virtually anything they can produce in the color pink. That is sad, but savvy shoppers know the difference.
I will proudly walk in a breast cancer walk this October, to raise money for research and services, to celebrate my own victory over breast cancer, and to honor and remember those dear to me who have fought the fight and lost the battle.
While I LOVE the insight you bring about how much of the money actually goes to funding research, I’m concerned about not going Pink.
As a Mammographer I have so many stories about that little pink ribbon saving lives. The moms who decided to go get a well over due mammogram because their son/husbad/daughter/brother saw the ribbon during a game and found the early stage cancer. Women who see the ribbon and are reminded to come in.
Awareness is just as important as the research itself. Without that ribbon there’s a lot of lives that could be lost and that’s just from my short experience. Because let’s be real, women just don’t talk about the importance of self exams and mammograms on their own…unless they are a surviors and understand the importance at a whole other level.
One thing we REALLY need to be aware of is that mammograms can CAUSE cancer.
Having an abortion also ups your risk–and the Komen foundation supports Planned Parenthood. HMMM!
Iodine helps prevent cancer. Where’s the awareness there?
Yes and more and more people are donating to research and prevention since very little gains have been made in the past 100 years with traditional treatments. Pharma doesnt like it. Oncologists don’t like it as its a billion dollar industry. There is no money in life or death…….just continued illnesses. Research and prevention is the key moving forward.
Hooray Margaret! Thank you for telling the sad truth about many cancer organizations!
As a cancer survivor (uterine cancer), I have tried to tell people these things, but they don’t listen to me. Maybe some will listen to you. I had to ask The American Cancer Society to put me on their “no call” list, because although I signed up with them as a cancer patient, supposedly so I could get help from them, all I got was a bunch of phone calls asking for money, and excuses whenever I called them asking for help. That was my experience. I don’t have data or percentages. It is such good advice to people that before they donate, check out the organization’s ratings at sites like CharityNavigator.org We all know someone battling cancer. Why not give them some money to help with expenses, or offer to drive them to some appointments, or to pick up some groceries for them? At least that way you know what your money and time are being used for. Thanks Margaret! I still pray for you daily! With love, Janet
Thank you very much for your comments and suggestions. It is utterly true that all cancer research, including breast, is grossly underfunded. That fact cannot be stated strongly enough! I agree that looking around your own region and funding your local researchers is a great idea and one that I have discussed with my husband. Just throwing money at “name-recognized” institutions, however, is not necessarily money well-donated in my opinion. There is excellent, field-advancing research being done in many less well-known labs all over the U.S. Also, let me say that finding a “cure” for cancer is very complex because cancer is varied and complex. It is an ancient disease, which has even been found in Egyptian mummies. Furthermore, “Cancer” is not one single thing. The main distinquishing characteristic of Cancer is that it begins as a regular cell, which flips and goes haywire. But, cancers are different. Some cancers are deadly. Others are not. Breast cancers behave differently in different people, as do other cancers.. Furthermore, there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment. Three different women, diagnosed with the same type and stage of breast cancer might all react differently to the exact same treatment. One might be cured. Another might go into a long remission. A third might succomb and pass away, quickly. Even genetic predisposition to a type of cancer dies NOT guarantee that an individual will even develop cancer. These are vital truths about the complexity in the work to find a cure for cancer. Nevertheless, huge strides actually have been made in understanding the biochemical mechanisms causing normal cells to become cancerous and, once cancerous, to metastasize. The relatively new field of Proteomics is a major key to unlocking cancer’s mysteries and saving lives. Many, many U.S. researchers are discovering and exploring proteins, which once turned on, or off, prevent, or even stop cancer from developing in the first place, or from speading and killing. Proteomics is being used to develop safer and more effective treatments, as well. Other technologies, such as the use of nano particles are being used to develop ways to more finely target the specific cancerous areas, rather than blanket the entire body with toxic chemotherapies. I know all these things because my husband, an M.D./Ph.D., is a physician and cancer researcher. From the beginning, even with his Ph.D. thesis, he was focusing on breast cancer metastasis. He was Chief of Pathology at the National Cancer Institute at the NIH from 1976-2006, which is tax-payer-funded, and for the past 9 years he’s been continuing his search for ways to stop cancer at one of the Virginia state universities. Now he lives in a continual state of fitting grant writing into his busy research schedule in order to fund his lab’s research and for salaries. Funding for most medical research has dropped precipitously, especially since 2001. Congress does not fund research much, anymore, so funding is very thin even for NCI researchers, as well as, for government-funded grants to peer-reviewed, outside researchers, who compete for such grants (good system because it prevents cronyism and corruption). Philanthropic monies fell off after the 2008 market crash, both to Komen or Avon-type organizations, for example, or directly from private donors. Conducting cancer research is hard work. That is why being a medical researching, trying to tease apart the biology of cancer, is a committed way of life. They DO need YOUR help. So, become your own researcher, meaning: Make it your business to find out who the men and women are–where you live–who are engaged in breast cancer (or other medical research). Research their publications. Contact the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and other such organizations of medical researchers to understand how best to do that, or other ways to participate as a lay person in order to become more knowledgeable. Form your own fund raising organizations to support those local researchers. Start a fund at your local university to support those researchers. With your help breast cancer and other medical research can continue to thrive and advance toward the cure, and or, prevention of cancer.
While it is wrong that the percentages of actual funds sent to research are so low, keep in mind that 16% of 472 million is still 75 and a half million dollars to research. And the awareness is a good thing too, My mother, who was diagnosed 7 years ago, a week after she finally retired, made it to her 5 year mark and then they found more cancer had come back and spread….she is terminal now…She is somewhat tired of the pink ribbons too, but agrees the reminders and awareness save lives. She found her lump in November and due to the constant bombardment all through Oct, she KNEW she needed to go get it checked, had she found it in June, she likely would have left it go too long before mentioning it to anyone. I know MANY who have lost their mothers who don the pink to HONOR their mothers. I use pink to honor my friend, my mom and all those who have fought breast cancer, I also use purple for pancreatic cancer which took my uncle, silver for Parkinsons which my uncle also dealt with for 17 years, green for my brother who had Hodgkins and was a bone marrow transplant patient and also for Cerebral Palsey awareness in honor of my friend’s son who is 17 and my own daughter who died but would be 31. There may be some who hate the reminders, but I think most realize that the majority of us do it to HONOR those we love who have fought the battle, whether they survived or not. Those of us who have went through it with a loved one know how hard that battle was….
Thank you, Margaret, for this important post. Many Canadians read your blog as well – the best way to support cancer research is to give to the Terry Fox Foundation. If you haven’t heard of Terry Fox, and his run across Canada in 1980 to raise $1 for every Canadian to fight cancer – you must read more! He continues to inspire many Canadians even 35 years after he lost his battle to cancer. http://terryfox.org Blessings.
Margaret, thank you for this important information and for bringing increased awareness as to where the money really goes. I really appreciate that you offered some wonderful alternatives, too! I’ve checked Charity Navigatorfor other non-profit organizations, but hadn’t thought to check it for some of the “pink” ones.
Hello Margaret,
Thanks so much for your well-researched piece. I’m very anti-Spink myself, and frankly anti-“awareness”. Show me a literate person above the age of about 16 who is not aware of breast cancer. Not easily done methinks. We all are aware of it. But how in the world does that help? As a woman with stage 4 metastatic disease, I couldn’t be more aware of breast cancer if I had it. Oh, wait…
Anyway I wanted to point out a very common belief in alternative treatment circles that is actually quite contrary to your stance that the cure lies in research. Giving money to pharmaceutical companies for research of more drugs that they can then turn around and sell to us at astronomical and unethical amounts is not only ludicrous, it is a serious misappropriation of the resources God has given and entrusted us with. Paying wealthy companies millions to develop toxic drugs that don’t work and produce awful side effects when we are forced to buy them (with huge profits to the drug companies, who should really be able to afford to develop their own products on their own dime instead of by exploiting the emotions of cancer victims all over the world) is exceptionally poor stewardship.
I respectfully disagree with that approach and propose that instead of a cure we focus on the cause and then on prevention. We know indisputably that the vast majority of breast cancers are caused by lifestyle – diet, stress, obesity, activity level, etc – so we know many of those can be prevented. When I was diagnosed in September of 2012, I was obese and getting bigger. I have since lost 91 pounds and have put my cancer in to remission once with just good nutrition. Unfortunately, because I also accepted chemo early on (a known carcinogen), my cancer returned and has now spread throughout my bones.
All that to say that if I had known the two biggest risk factors for breast cancer, I may have been able to avoid even getting a diagnosis.
The #1 risk factor for breast cancer is being female. Can’t do much about that one. But the #2 factor is obesity. I could’ve lost that 91 pounds way earlier and avoided so much of the treatments, surgery, side effects. If only I had known beforehand. I heard all about it afterward, but it didn’t help me much at that point.
Again I appreciate your unique insight and your story, but I hope we collectively can navigate away from paying multi-billion dollar corporations to do their jobs and focus instead on pinpointing the causes, eradicating those risks, and educating young women in particular about how to get and stay healthy.
Thanks for exposing Komen as the farce it is. And thanks for the chance to comment.