To the editor:
Re: Pink Ribbons, Inc., a film on cancer research fundraising.
As a breast cancer survivor, and an avid volunteer and supporter of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, I watched with interest the premiere of Pink Ribbons, Inc at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall, which opened in theatres on Friday.
To say that I remain concerned having seen the film would be an understatement. The film, which speaks to the need for inclusivity of perspectives and attitudes about the cause, misses the voice of the thousands of women and men who proudly raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness.
All while questioning the motives of the corporations and foundations involved in breast cancer awareness, the filmmakers never sought to question the motivations of the members of the breast cancer community who participate in the runs and walks, or to explore the value they derive from that very community.
Another element of the film’s thesis is around transparency and accountability. The filmmakers left out some interesting facts. There has been progress in the field of breast cancer—the mortality rate in Canada has decreased by 35 per cent since 1986. The research by Doctors Brophy and Keith featured in the film, on workplace and cancer, was funded in part through the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
Finally, the vast majority of the film’s statistics and examples were not Canadian. For Canadian statistics, examples, and practices, please visit the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s website at www.cbcf.org.
I think the film raises a valid point when it talks about the use of the pink ribbon on products and what percentage of proceeds actually go to research. There is always room for improvement, and I would like to see corporate partners be more transparent about exactly how much they are giving and who they are giving it to when they use the pink ribbon. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has some good information about how to be a smart pink ribbon partner on their website.
My mother and I battled breast cancer literally at the same time in 1992. I survived. Breast cancer killed my mother and I was inspired to get involved with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. When breast cancer knocked on my door again in 2008 I knew progress had been made since my initial diagnosis and I was thankful to have the foundation in my corner. Together, with others like me, volunteers, researchers, and individual and corporate donors, we are creating a future without breast cancer.
Carol Ann Cole,
Atlantic Canada
Carol Ann Cole is founder of the Comfort Heart Initiative, which has raised more than a $250,000 for Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation-Atlantic Region and over $1 million for cancer research overall.
