The pink ribbon is widely recognized as the symbol of advocacy and support for women who are treated for breast cancer. What is not so widely appreciated is breast cancer survivors themselves are responsible for the existence of this symbol. Prior to 1990, many more women than today felt stigmatized and isolated as they coped with the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term consequences of breast cancer. The prominence of the pink ribbon is a demonstration of the power of coming together to take charge of their image and their rights. It’s a great example of the healing power of belonging to a group of like-minded individuals who strive to learn together, support one another and advocate for what they want and need.
The average age when women (and some men) discover they have breast cancer is 54. At this age they have many meaningful roles in their families, workplaces, and communities. A sudden shift from providing resources and caring for others to being the person in need of care is quite jarring for most people. I’ve learned to take the stress, and potential for personal growth, of this transition very seriously. Family and friends naturally mobilize to show they care when faced with someone close is diagnosed with cancer, but they often feel awkward when deciding what to say or do. We have the opportunity as mental health professionals to validate and encourage people to express the strong and often confusing emotions they feel when confronted with cancer. This includes our fellow health care providers, as well as our patients and their family members. In doing so, I’ve learned to truly embrace illness and death as part of our shared experience as human beings – and to help ease the way through for many others. I hope you, too, embrace the chance to be enlightened and engage the people wearing pink ribbons this month.