Pink Ribbons, Inc.: Origins

  “I think the point might be (I haven't seen it) that good intentions can get out of control. I worked in administration at the BC Cancer Agency a few years back....what I know is that research looks at predictions, trials test new drugs and treatment centers on longevity(physical) and quality of life (psychosocial). Statistics have improved so much for survivors. And cure? Cause? Breast cancer (tumours) can be any of 20 types of cancers; so it's not so easy diagnose or to apply a blanket treatment plan. These runs earn huge amounts of money. I reasoned that they need to spend big bucks to make big bucks. But many co-workers were embarrassed by the costs associated with the Weekend to End Breast Cancer ( started by Susan B. Korman Foundation). And I know many survivors who feel exploited by the whole campaign....pink toilet paper? We can try to End Cancer or Run from Cancer, but almost all of us will die with a cancer in our bodies....and the physicians and researchers refer to cancer as a chronic disease.....so is there a cure out there? I would rather concentrate on patient programs and extending life, with quality. ”

  “I remember when the NFB was something to be proud of, the producer of great documentary films. I guess that was before it turned into a cancer scare conspiracy theory promoter of films like Pink Ribbons Inc. One thing everyone can do to prevent the dumbing down of public discourse on health risks generally or breast cancer specifically: Avoid Pink Ribbons Inc. (like a cancer) when it comes to a theater near you. Read Hyping Health Risks by G. C. Kabat instead For more: www.askepticrtn.com”

  “Finally a film that exposes some of the truth about the cancer industry. I find the pink ribbon campaigns to be embarrassing. The cosmetic industry attempts to make you pretty while you suffer with the effects of toxic treatment, (mouth sores, hair loss and constant nausea ) all the while selling products that contain carcinogens, are appalling. Check out what David Suzuki (in Canada) and the Environmental Working Group : Skin Deep Campaign (in the US) are saying about "beauty" products. These products are the tip of the iceberg. There are so many other products that contain carcinogens and so little beings done about it. PREVENTION is a way to protect yourself and those you love. There are the sites mentioned above with critical information all women must learn about. You are the main purchasers in the market place. As Lea Pool says,"We must be more critical. We must be much stronger. We can change must faster if we just have more control of what we want". Get in control, knowledge is strength.”

  “I have known about this controversy since just after my diagnosis (lobular, stage 3) 3 years ago. An invaluable resource is the book "No Family History: The environmental link to breast cancer". Everyone needs to educate themselves so we force big Pharmacy to release us from the conventional treatment of 'Slash, Poison, Burn' to something that actually enables us to recover and live rich, full and long lives after diagnosis! Think before you Pink!”