Peggy Orenstein’s April 25, 2013 article–the cover story for this Week’ s New York Times’ Magazine, offers an in-depth look at breast cancer in the United States. The 9-page essay– called “Our Feel-Good War on Breast Cancer” — is well worth the read, highlighting key issues in breast cancer awareness campaigns, research, advocacy, and the painful realities of her own diagnoses. Officially now a two-time breast cancer “survivor,” Orenstein thoughtfully, reflectively, and directly probes the ongoing tug-of-war surrounding one of the most visible and commercialized social causes of our time.
I am honored to have been interviewed for this story.
Excerpts as follows:
In “Pink Ribbon Blues,” Gayle Sulik, a sociologist and founder of the Breast Cancer Consortium, credits Komen (as well as the American Cancer Society and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month) with raising the profile of the disease, encouraging women to speak about their experience and transforming “victims” into “survivors.” Komen, she said, has also distributed more than $1 billion to research and support programs. At the same time, the function of pink-ribbon culture — and Komen in particular — has become less about eradication of breast cancer than self-perpetuation: maintaining the visibility of the disease and keeping the funds rolling in. “You have to look at the agenda for each program involved,” Sulik said. “If the goal is eradication of breast cancer, how close are we to that? Not very close at all. If the agenda is awareness, what is it making us aware of? That breast cancer exists? That it’s important? ‘Awareness’ has become narrowed until it just means ‘visibility.’ And that’s where the movement has failed. That’s where it’s lost its momentum to move further.”
Peggy Orenstein’s article is excellent and direct. I am hopeful that it will bring many more to this worthwhile discussion and spur more to action. Congratulations Gayle on being part of Orenstein’s concise look at the troubles with breast cancer awareness.