October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, established by breast cancer charities to raise awareness of this deadly disease. It is estimated that in 2025, 316,950 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.[1] If we want to save lives, breast cancer awareness is the number one preventive measure for this illness.
In 1993, Evelyn Lauder of Estée Lauder Companies introduced the pink ribbon as the symbol for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which the Lauder Companies also established. Since then, the pink ribbon has become a sign to raise awareness about prevention and recovery, encouraging early detection and treatment. However, it has also faced controversy. Sometimes, companies selling food and beverages containing additives linked to cancer (such as bovine growth hormone in yogurt, unhealthy fats from fried chicken, and alcoholic and energy drinks) have used the pink ribbon to boost sales. Even the industry, focused on prevention and treatment, has utilized the pink logo as a marketing tool to increase profits.
I suppose all awareness is good awareness. Even if the consumer is hoodwinked, it’s better to be reminded to perform breast exams and get mammograms than not. As a breast cancer survivor, I strongly advocate early detection and prevention. Had I been more aware, I could have been treated sooner and minimally instead of having a mastectomy.
Seeing pink can remind the consumer that no one is immune to breast cancer. Like the health warning on the cigarette pack, the pink ribbon sends a reminder that nobody is immune to this deadly disease.
Hopefully, someday, breast cancer, like most cancers, will be a thing of the past. Disease usually starts from making unhealthy choices – like when I decided to smoke, or drink alcohol, or sugary sodas, or go on starvation diets. I dream that soon we will love ourselves enough to only put our bodies through things that promote health instead of illness. Only then can we take back power and control over our bodies and nourish them the way they were meant to be— with good food, freedom from toxins, and plenty of hugs from loved ones. Then everyone can carry a pink heart as a reminder that breast cancer is a thing of the past, now replaced with love.
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Donna Marks is an educator, licensed psychotherapist, and addictions counselor in Palm Beach, Florida. She has worked with over 6,000 clients. Donna’s struggle with addiction brought her to a worldwide search for healing. She became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987. In 1989, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Adult Education, then became Certified in Addictions, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Hypnosis, and Sex Therapy. Donna developed an award-winning addiction training program at Palm Beach Community College. She co-owns an outpatient treatment program and serves as a consultant to treatment centers. For 36 years, she has taught A Course in Miracles.
Donna is the author of three books: the multi-award-winning title Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, and Learn, Grow, Forgive: A Path to Spiritual Success, The Healing Moment: Seven Paths to Turn Messes into Miracles of Love, and her latest fiction, Fortis & Sapiente – A Tale of Two Lovers Who Successfully Navigate the Murky Waters of Love. Donna is a public speaker and has shared her methods with millions of listeners on podcasts and radio shows.
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