Pink Ribbon Blues


Book Description

Medical sociologist Gayle A. Sulik reveals the hidden costs of the pink ribbon as an industry, one in which breast cancer functions as a brand name with a pink ribbon logo. Based on historical and ethnographic research, analysis of awareness campaigns and advertisements, and hundreds of interviews, Pink Ribbon Blues shows that while millions walk, run, and purchase products for a cure, cancer rates continue to rise, industry thrives, and breast cancer is stigmatized anew for those who reject the pink ribbon model. Even as Sulik points out the flaws of "pink ribbon culture," she outlines the positives and offers alternatives. The paperback includes a new Introduction investigating Susan G. Komen for the Cure and a color insert with images of, and reactions to, the pinking of breast cancer.




So Much to Be Done


Book Description

“What kind of cancer is it?” was the first question Barbara Brenner asked her doctor after hearing that the lump in her breast was malignant. His answer: “You don't need to know that.” Wrong response. Brenner, who was already an activist, made knowing her business and spreading knowledge her mission. The power behind Breast Cancer Action and its transformative Think Before You Pink® campaign, Barbara Brenner brought an abundance of wit, courage, and clarity to the cause and forever changed the conversation. What had been construed as an individual crisis could now be seen for what it was: a pressing concern of public health and social justice, with environmental issues at the center of prevention efforts. Collected in So Much to Be Done, and framed by personal accounts of Barbara and her influential work, Brenner’s columns and blog posts form a chronicle of breast cancer research and health care activism that is as inspiring as it is informative. As she takes on the corporate forces at work in breast cancer research and treatment and in the “pinkwashing” of fund-raising for the cause, Brenner, a self-described hell-raiser, contends with cancer herself, twice, and her words offer understanding and encouragement to all those whose lives are touched by the disease. When Brenner was diagnosed with ALS in 2011, she broadened her critique of health care while also writing about her own experience. Infused with her characteristic moxie, humor, anger, and compassion, these reflections from her last two years provide an in-depth, precisely observed portrayal of what it is to live with a terminal disease and to die on one’s own terms.




Early Detection


Book Description

Dispelling the common notion that American women became activists in the fight against female cancer only after the 1970s, Kirsten E. Gardner traces women's cancer education campaigns back to the early twentieth century. Focusing on breast cancer, but using research on cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers as well, Gardner's examination of films, publications, health fairs, and archival materials shows that women have promoted early cancer detection since the inception of the American Society for the Control of Cancer in 1913. While informing female audiences about cancer risks, these early activists also laid the groundwork for the political advocacy and patient empowerment movements of recent decades. By the 1930s there were 300,000 members of the Women's Field Army working together with women's clubs. They held explicit discussions about the risks, detection, and incidence of cancer and, by mid-century, were offering advice about routine breast self-exams and annual Pap smears. The feminist health movement of the 1970s, Gardner explains, heralded a departure for female involvement in women's health activism. As before, women encouraged early detection, but they simultaneously demanded increased attention to gender and medical research, patient experiences, and causal factors. Our understanding of today's vibrant feminist health movement is enriched by Gardner's work recognizing women's roles in grassroots educational programs throughout the twentieth century and their creation of supportive networks that endure today.




Pink Ribbons, Inc.


Book Description

“Samantha King explains how, beyond being an all-too-frequent and still-too-lethal disease for many women, breast cancer is a corporate dream come true.” —Herizons “Fascinating. King’s deft and thoughtful interpretation of the pink ribbon phenomenon is an important wake-up call. Going against the grain, she takes a clear-eyed look at a trend that often seems to outshine the disease that put it on the map.” —Women’s Review of Books “King’s criticisms of breast-cancer philanthropy provide a new means of looking at one of our culture’s most celebrated causes. For anyone who has ever squirreled away yogurt lids for the cause, Pink Ribbons, Inc. is food for thought.” —Bitch “A fascinating read for anyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer.” —Curve “Breast cancer advocacy is being transformed from meaningful civic participation into purchasing products. To understand the personal, social, and political costs, read this book.” —Barbara Brenner, Executive Director of Breast Cancer Action In Pink Ribbons, Inc., Samantha King traces how breast cancer has been transformed from a stigmatized disease and individual tragedy to a market-driven industry of survivorship. Here, for the first time, King questions the effectiveness and legitimacy of privately funded efforts to stop the epidemic among American women. Highly revelatory-at times shocking-Pink Ribbons, Inc. challenges the commercialization of the breast cancer movement. Samantha King is associate professor of physical and health education and women’s studies at Queen’s University, in Kingston, Ontario




Breast Cancer Awareness


Book Description

Embark on a transformative journey with 'Shaping Futures: Illuminating Paths in Breast Cancer Awareness, ' a groundbreaking book that transcends the boundaries of conventional health narratives. More than just a collection of facts, this compelling work is a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and hope in the realm of breast cancer. At the heart of this book are the voices of survivors, echoing triumph over adversity. Their stories are not merely tales of survival; they are narratives of strength, courage, and the unwavering human spirit. Through these personal accounts, readers witness the transformative power of resilience, gaining insights that extend far beyond the clinical understanding of breast cancer. This literary journey unfolds with a focus on understanding breast cancer-the intricacies, the nuances, and the multifaceted nature of this pervasive health challenge. From the causes and risk factors to the diverse types and early detection strategies, the chapters offer a comprehensive guide that empowers readers with knowledge. The book becomes a roadmap, not only for those directly affected by breast cancer but for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and contribute to the collective awareness. 'Shaping Futures' transcends the clinical realm with a heartfelt exploration of supporting loved ones. It delicately navigates the emotional landscape surrounding a breast cancer diagnosis, offering insights into the crucial role played by family and friends. The narrative becomes a guide for those supporting a loved one, providing tangible ways to offer solace, understanding, and unwavering support throughout the journey. Prevention becomes a central theme, inviting readers to proactively engage in their well-being. Lifestyle choices, genetic counseling, and early detection practices are unveiled as actionable strategies that empower individuals to shape their health destinies. This section is not just a guide; it's an invitation to adopt a proactive stance, fostering a culture where prevention is not only possible but embraced. The narrative takes an expansive turn with a focus on advocacy and awareness campaigns-a realm where voices become catalysts for change. Readers are immersed in the world of grassroots movements and global initiatives, where awareness is not just raised but becomes a transformative force shaping policies, challenging stigmas, and fostering a culture of health. More than just a book, 'Shaping Futures' is a call to action. It invites readers to engage, to participate, and to be part of the collective symphony of hope and progress. With each turn of the page, the book resonates with the belief that knowledge is power, empathy is transformative, and united voices can influence change. This literary masterpiece is not just for those directly impacted by breast cancer; it's for anyone who believes in the power of collective action, who seeks inspiration in stories of resilience, and who envisions a future where breast cancer is met with unity, understanding, and unwavering hope. 'Shaping Futures' is more than a book; it's a movement towards a brighter tomorrow."




The Biopolitics of Breast Cancer


Book Description

For nearly forty years, feminists and patient activists have argued that medicine is a deeply individualizing and depoliticizing institution. According to this view, medical practices are incidental to people’s transformation from patients to patient activists. The Biopolitics of Breast Cancer turns this understanding upside down. Maren Klawiter analyzes the evolution of the breast cancer movement to show the broad social impact of how diseases come to be medically managed and publicly administered. Examining surgical procedures, adjuvant therapies, early detection campaigns, and the rise in discourses of risk, Klawiter demonstrates that these practices created a change in the social relations-if not the mortality rate-of breast cancer that initially inhibited, but later enabled, collective action. Her research focuses on the emergence and development of new forms of activism that range from grassroots patient empowerment to environmental activism and corporate-funded breast cancer awareness. The Biopolitics of Breast Cancer opens a window onto a larger set of changes currently transforming medically advanced societies and ultimately challenges our understanding of the origins, politics, and future of the breast cancer movement. Maren Klawiter holds a PhD in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley. She is currently pursuing a law degree at Yale University.




Beyond Pink Ribbons


Book Description

"Beyond Pink Ribbons: Unmasking the Reality of Breast Cancer" is a powerful and eye-opening exploration of the unvarnished truth behind breast cancer. In this 94-page book, readers are taken on a transformative journey that transcends the superficial veneer of awareness campaigns and confronts the stark realities faced by those battling this disease. This book delves deep into the multifaceted facets of breast cancer, shedding light on its emotional, physical, and social impacts. The author provides expert insights and firsthand accounts, offering a candid portrayal of the disease's impact on patients and their families. "Beyond Pink Ribbons" uncovers the pain, struggles, and courage that often remain concealed behind the symbolic ribbon. One of the most compelling aspects of this book is the inclusion of real-life stories. Readers are introduced to individuals who have faced breast cancer head-on, showcasing their resilience and determination. These narratives serve as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the importance of early detection and support, and highlighting the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. The benefits of "Beyond Pink Ribbons" extend beyond awareness. This book equips readers with a comprehensive understanding of breast cancer, making it a valuable resource for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. It promotes empathy, knowledge, and a call to action. It empowers readers to become advocates for breast cancer patients and encourages them to support ongoing research and early detection efforts. To be part of this critical movement, we invite you to take action. Share this book with your friends and family, engage in open discussions about breast cancer, and become a voice for those affected by this disease. Join the campaign for increased awareness and support for breast cancer research. Together, we can unmask the reality of breast cancer and make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals. It's time to move "Beyond Pink Ribbons" and into a world where understanding and action bring hope to those touched by breast cancer.




In the Pink


Book Description

When October was officially named National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) more than 20 years ago, a week-long event provided women with information about the disease. The appearance of this sort of awareness campaign was a first and it began to fill the void in public communication about breast cancer. Over the years, NBCAM discourse has helped break through the previous silence and stigma surrounding the disease. Over the years, this discourse has become a purportedly common sense approach to breast cancer in the United States, and one I suggest is fundamentally hegemonic. In this thesis, I study how the discourse of NBCAM encourages women to embrace a breast cancer awareness that is saturated with whiplash and back-pedaling narratives and characterizations that establish a mixed message discourse comprised of contradictory conceptions of breast cancer detection, breast cancer prevention, breast cancer activism, and breast cancer as a disease. Through an analysis of a set of women's magazines, I illustrate how the mixed message discourse of NBCAM establishes links between cultural values and life conditions that narrowly define the central ideograph breast cancer awareness, and how the symbolic image of the pink ribbon works to recall and reiterate these specific messages and ways of understanding breast cancer. Ultimately, I argue that NBCAM discourse constrains how women think about and deal with breast cancer by conditioning them to a shared public vocabulary of concepts that guides and warrants their actions and excuses both their behavior and beliefs. In my analysis, I illustrate how this vocabulary invites privatized identifications with and commitments to constructions of breast cancer experience, prevention, and activism that contain gendered and traditionally feminine ideologies. The rhetoric emphasizes personal responsibility over social context, which obscures issues of social structure, environmental protection, and collective responsibility, and positions breast cancer as a natural part of a woman's life, which, in turn, dislocates collective political anxiety, discussion, and action from NBCAM discourse.




Beyond the Pink Ribbon


Book Description

"Beyond the Pink Ribbon" is a thought-provoking and empowering book that goes beyond the surface of breast cancer awareness. In this insightful work, readers are taken on a journey to explore the multifaceted aspects of breast cancer, including its emotional impact, the challenges faced by survivors, and the need for continued support beyond the pink ribbon. Drawing from personal experiences, expert interviews, and the latest research, this book delves into the often overlooked aspects of breast cancer, such as the psychological and emotional toll it takes on individuals and their loved ones. It sheds light on the importance of holistic care, self-advocacy, and empowerment throughout the breast cancer journey. "Beyond the Pink Ribbon" not only educates readers about the disease itself, but also offers practical advice for supporting and advocating for individuals with breast cancer. It explores topics such as navigating the healthcare system, finding community support, and embracing survivorship beyond treatment. With its compassionate tone and empowering message, "Beyond the Pink Ribbon" serves as a valuable resource for patients, survivors, caregivers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the breast cancer experience. It aims to inspire hope, encourage resilience, and foster a sense of unity in the face of breast cancer, going beyond awareness to empower and uplift those affected by this challenging disease.




Early Detection


Book Description