Breast Cancer Symbol

The international breast cancer symbol is the open-looped pink ribbon. This pink ribbon has been the symbol for breast cancer awareness and advocacy for well over two decades. In the fall of 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation first handed out pink ribbons. They went to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors.  Ribbon activity, in general, began in 1979 during the Iran hostage crisis. Yellow ribbons showed solidarity with the plight of the hostages.

Pink was eventually chosen as the color for the breast cancer symbol. The color pink is bright, vibrant, a strong and healthy color. Pink is also a feminine color. Breast cancer is a very personal disease. The breasts are a strong part of femininity and what makes a woman a woman.

History of the Pink Ribbon

In 1992, Alexandra Penney, who was editor-in-chief of Self, a women’s health magazine, was working on the second annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue. She enlisted the help of Evelyn Lauder, who was the senior corporate vice president at Estee Lauder. They both came up with the idea to create a ribbon. They enlisted the cosmetics giant to distribute it in stores in New York City. Lauder than promised to spread the ribbons throughout the entire country.

Charlotte Hayley, who battled breast cancer, produced a peach colored ribbon. She sold them with a card attached. The card said, “The National Cancer Institute’s annual budget is 1.8 billion dollars and only 5% goes for cancer prevention. Help us wake up our legislators and America by wearing this ribbon.” Her message spread fast. This made Penney and Evelyn Lauder interested. After discussing opportunities, they came up with a new color. The new color of the ribbon was pink. And, so was born the international symbol.

Each October, hundreds, if not thousands, of products are emblazoned with pink ribbons. They are sold with a promise that a small part of the total cost being donated will support breast cancer research. Breast cancer t-shirts are just one of the products available. Pink sportswear is also available for athletes. In a recent major league baseball game in the beginning of October, most of the players wore pink sneakers and pink sweatbands on their wrists. They were supporting the breast cancer awareness month.

The first breast cancer awareness stamp in the U.S. featuring a pink ribbon was issued in 1996. Since it did not sell well, they issued a new stamp with an emphasis on research. There is no pink ribbon. The stamp is available on line at the USPS website.

In Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint produced a silver commemorative breast cancer coin. 15,000 coins were minted in 2006. One side of the coin has Queen Elizabeth, and the other side has a pink ribbon that is enameled. In addition to that, 30 million 25-cent coins were minted with pink ribbons in 2006 for normal circulation.

On the Internet it is not uncommon to see a breast cancer ribbon picture. These pictures (Gifs or JPGs) are put on web sties to show support for breast cancer research. If you own a website, and would like to put a breast cancer ribbon on your site, there are many places you can get the picture.

Breast Cancer Apparel

At age 32, Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer. She gathered as much information as she could.
She bought pink ribbons and even a scrub cap with pink ribbons on it. I searched for anything with the ribbon symbol on it. There just was not much out there. Because I wanted to reach out to others, the idea for The Pink Ribbon Shop was born.  Now, thanks to Kim, available for purchase are:

• Angels
• Apparel
• Balloons
• Bears
• Books
• Bracelets
• Candles
• Car magnets
• Cards
• Charms and Beads
• Crafts
• Earrings
• Gifts
• Jackets
• Sweats
• Ornaments
• Scarves
• Sun catchers
• Totes

All of these things and more are available at:  http://www.pinkribbonshop.com/about-us.aspx
There are other websites also.

The pink ribbon breast cancer symbol is one of the most important and well-known symbols. In many ways it has become synonymous with the cause of breast cancer. Displaying a pink ribbon is a powerful way to promote this important cause.

http://getwellsite.com/breastcancerbooks.aspx

Margaret Stenerson-Reynolds
October 11, 2009