The Problem With Pink-Ribbon Drives (Abstract Only)

ABSTRACT ONLY

Title: The Problem With Pink-Ribbon Drives

Author/Byline:  Caroline Bermudez

Publication: Chronicle of Philanthropy

Publication Date: November 28, 2010

A medical sociologist says that pink-ribbon drives to promote attention to breast cancer are not effective in combating the disease.

Pink Ribbon Blues: How Breast Cancer Culture Undermines Women’s Health

By Gayle A. Sulik

Gayle A. Sulik, a medical sociologist, says that pink-ribbon drives to promote attention to breast cancer are not effective in combating the disease, but instead divert attention way from the fact that the ailment is a public-health concern.

Based on eight years of observations, analysis of breast-cancer advertisements and awareness campaigns, and interviews with hundreds of breast-cancer experts, Ms. Sulik concludes that for all the coverage breast cancer receives, a cure still remains elusive and jumps in survival rates have been modest at best.

She is particularly critical of the charity Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which organizes walks and races that draw thousands of participants.

ABSTRACT ONLY