Cancer Is Not a Fad

As the early days of October pass by, I become more excited for the upcoming season with every yellow leaf that falls, red apple that is picked and orange pumpkin that I pass.  However, it seems these favorite autumnal hues have a new pigment player on the seasonal stage.  What color? Pink, of course. 

As I walk through campus I oftentimes see a pink ribbon or sticker sported on a jacket lapel or notebook, or even an “I Love Boobies” bracelet on the wrists of younger supporters.  All this pink pride makes sense considering October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  While I fully support the battle against breast cancer and the effort to prevent the disease, I find myself asking why does breast cancer get all the attention? 

According to The National Cancer Institute, lung cancer claims the lives of four times as many people as breast cancer.  Considering this I wonder is there a Lung Cancer Awareness Month?   There is, it’s November actually.  Yet I don’t remember seeing any silver ribbons or bumper stickers.  I don’t think cancer should be politicized. Still, I can’t help but believe it’s unfair that certain types of cancers are supported far more than others. As a culture obsessed with the female figure, breasts especially, it seems that the idea of breast cancer may be "cuter" than other cancers.

    

Yet the advertisement, commercialism and consumerism of pink baubly knick-knacks that don’t really spread any “awareness” distract from the fact that cancer is not a trend.  Cancer doesn't discriminate from what’s “cute” or “appealing”.  Why breast cancer? Why not lung cancer?  Or the second most lethal type of cancer, colon cancer?  As cancer being the second leading cause of death in the US, I think we need to consider our donations and acknowledge how we can appropriately and fairly spread awareness.