October is breast cancer awareness month. Everywhere you look, you will notice well-meaning individuals wearing pink ribbons, passing out leaflets, and encouraging women to get a mammogram for the purposes of early breast cancer detection. While I applaud the intention of these efforts, there's some information missing in these yearly campaigns. 

Pink Campaigns Don't Focus on the Cause

Since breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women aged 45-55, pink campaigns are focused on getting the word out about screening. Unfortunately, these campaigns also have another side that deeply concerns me. 

For one, pink ribbon campaigns focus largely on a sense of solidarity among women with breast cancer. While emotional support is necessary for any woman battling this disease, community seems to be its primary focus, not prevention or finding a cure. 

Another disturbing fact is these companies who claim they are "fighting for a cure" often sell products that have been linked to the development of breast cancer. 

Overlooked Causes of Breast Cancer