Survivors ask if too much pink hurts cause (Abstract Only)

ABSTRACT ONLY

Title: Survivors ask if too much pink hurts cause

Author/Byline: Scripps Howard Newspapers

Publication: The Augusta Chronicle (Georgia)

Publication Date: October 31, 2008

Gail Lemberger noticed a colorful trend while browsing through Sunday advertisements.

There were pink blenders, pink iPods, pink tools, pink vacuums. There were even pink coupons to purchase pink food items.

During October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – the pink-tinged campaigns turned out in force. But with so many companies now promoting the cause, there is a concern that pink fatigue is settling in.

“I definitely would say it is oversaturated as far as products that are pink,” said Ms. Lemberger, 49, a breast cancer survivor from Camarillo. “We definitely need to spread awareness, but I don’t really think there is a need for that much pink stuff.”

Like Ms. Lemberger, many patients and survivors have mixed emotions about pink campaigns. They want to promote awareness and raise money for the cause, but they worry about the potential for overkill and exploitation.

Because the pink ribbon associated with breast cancer awareness is not trademarked or copyrighted, any company can place it on a product, which means proceeds from the sale may or may not benefit breast cancer. It could be used just to promote awareness.

ABSTRACT ONLY