The Meaning Of The Pink Ribbon - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is here and all around the world, people are pulling out their pink ribbons in solidarity with the brave women battling cancer. Most of you already know that the pink ribbon symbolizes breast cancer awareness. But where did it all start? Is the meaning behind this well-known symbol still clear? We thought we’d dive into the story behind the iconic image, now recognized and featured worldwide, to answer some of these questions.

The Story Behind The Pink Ribbon - Before Pink, There Was Peach

The ribbon was first used, in 1979, as a token of remembrance where families tied yellow ribbons around trees waiting for loved ones who were being held hostage in Iran. It then was seen red and pinned to the actor Jeremy Irons who wore it to the Tony awards to support AIDS awareness. Soon, almost every charitable cause was adopting its own ribbon and 1992 became  ‘The Year Of The Ribbon’, according to The New York Times.

Around the same time, Charlotte Haley, a breast cancer warrior, started the breast cancer movement from her dining room, handmaking ribbons for the cause in 1991. Except, they weren’t pink. Charlotte made thousands of peach ribbons which she attached to cards that said:

Charlotte went on to distribute thousands of these cards in the local supermarket, left stacks at doctor’s offices, and wrote to prominent women from former First Ladies to Dear Abby. Her daughter, sister, and grandmother all had breast cancer. Her ribbons were a call to action, not just a message to read and forget about. She was calling on a demand for prevention of the disease, more accountability towards better funding for breast cancer research, and promotion of self-exams and testing. Charlotte never accepted money for all her work, directing dollars towards breast cancer research.

Charlotte’s efforts piqued the interests of Alexandra Penney, the editor-in-chief of Self magazine, and Evelyn Lauder, senior vice president of cosmetics company Estée Lauder. Both recognized the enormous potential of branding this image in their campaigns. Self approached Charlotte about using the peach ribbon in their second annual breast cancer awareness issue. Charlotte immediately turned down the idea, saying the initiative was too corporate and commercial. Their hearts set on a ribbon campaign, Self and Estee Lauder, after legal consultation, simply turned the color of the ribbon from peach to the pink we are so familiar with now.

1.5 million pink ribbons were distributed at Estee Lauder counters with a breast self-exam card. Each person who took a ribbon had their name written on a petition that got sent to the White House to ask for an increase in funding for breast cancer research.

Though Charlotte Haley’s peach ribbon has been eclipsed by its cheerful pink cousin, her activism and commitment to breast cancer prevention continue to inspire. 

The Meaning Of The Pink Ribbon

Sometimes - to those who have been through breast cancer or are battling the disease - it doesn't seem like the message of the pink ribbon is really getting out, and understood. It can get lost in insincere marketing and campaigns chasing engagement. 

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, other than skin cancers. This makes awareness that much more important. 

Breast cancer awareness is an effort to reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. The global awareness that has been raised through the pink ribbon has helped increase early detection of breast cancer, make women more aware of the importance of doing regular breast self-examinations, and increase funds directed toward finding a cure.

FUN FACT: The color pink, a very specific shade called “150 Pink”, was decided on for it’s symbolizing of

• Calming

• Playful 

• Quieting

• Life-affirming 

• Stress relieving characteristics.

Pastel pink is also thought to be health-giving.

What It Means To Us

At Mona Moon Naturals, we don’t pack away our pink ribbons and favorite pink tops at the end of each October. Our hope is to extend the support beyond a single month and keep this an ongoing conversation. For every Mona Moon Naturals product sold, in any month of the year, a portion goes to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. 

Here are a few actionable steps you can take to support the cause:

1. Educate

   Arm yourself with all the facts. Get familiar with your own body and breasts. Learn how to check for lumps, bumps, or any changes. Tell a friend or family member everything you’ve learned.

2. Donate

   Make a one-time or monthly donation to help a woman in need gain access to screening and treatment.

3. Volunteer

   Volunteer your time with an organization like the Breast Cancer Charities of America (BCCA) and Susan G. Komen. You are helping women prevent, battle, and survive breast cancer! To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit BCCA or Susan G Komen.

4. Spread Awareness

   Spread the word on Breast Cancer Awareness Month on all social media platforms.

5. Hope

   Share the story of how you or a loved one have been affected by breast cancer. Sharing can provide comfort to you, as well as hope and strength to others.

6. Shop + Wear Pink!

   Proudly wear a pink ribbon during October or year-round. Take it a step further by shopping pink! By purchasing from participating retailers you help support research and accessibility.