Why Is It…?

“Why Is It…?” was designed by Dr. Steiner to address readers’ questions about human behavior from a social psychological perspective in order to inform and stimulate dialogue about the ways in which our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are influenced by the presence of other people. Dr. Steiner holds a Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology. In addition to working as a university educator over the last 17 years, she conducts individual and group consultations in matters of social relationships and behavior. Readers are invited to submit their questions anonymously in one paragraph or less to Dr. Steiner at [email protected].

Q: Why is it that breast cancer rates continue to rise despite all of the campaigns to raise funds and public awareness?

A: The ever-increasing rise in breast cancer rates certainly continues to threaten and plague the well being of women. Statistics show that the rates of breast cancer in Northeastern Wisconsin are, indeed, higher than the national average. And while almost every one of us has been personally impacted by this disease, few realize the extent to which the “battle” against breast cancer is not being fought as fiercely as we’d like to think.

One of the more popular social icons in the “fight” against breast cancer involves joining the “pink ribbon” campaign, by purchasing and donning a pink ribbon designed to financially and symbolically support efforts to eradicate this disease. We hold marches, display bumper stickers and have even dedicated October as the “official” breast cancer awareness month. But are these efforts seriously combating the causes of this disease in a concrete and substantive way? Or, are these token representations of “concern and support” simply serving to placate the social collective consciousness into a false sense of responsiveness and accountability?

Research suggests that while certain types of breast cancer may be genetically linked – by in large, the vast majority of studies point to environmental causes. Chemicals in plastic water bottles and other containers, growth hormone additives in our food and water supply and prolonged and consistent exposure to a myriad of other “modern day advancements” combine to produce ill-fated futures for the well-being of our women in particular, and society in general.

Labeled as “pink-washing,” the breast cancer ribbon campaigns pay “lip-service” to our concern and dedication – but do little to impact the continued abuse of our product industry that fosters the disease in the first place. Because most individuals regard themselves as “helpless” – buying and wearing a $1 pink ribbon alleviates the dissonance and guilt individuals may feel about their failure to engage in more proactive and assertive measures to fight the disease (see Gayle Sulik’s book, Pink Ribbon Blues). Simply put, instead of boycotting products and writing manufacturers and legislatures to demand the removal of harmful additives, we simply pin a ribbon to our clothing – reasoning that we have “done something” to help the cause.

Breast cancer – like all cancer – is big business. The profits generated by the health care and pharmaceutical industries enjoy healthy growth margins as one woman after another falls prey to this disease. Even the highly promoted and consistently encouraged mammogram, as a routine screening method, is not beyond scrutiny. In his book, Worried Sick, Nortin Hadler devotes a considerable section to the efficacy and reliability of mammogram technology as a means of detecting breast cancer. Described as a “blunt instrument,” Hadler argues that statistical analyses of large-scale research projects failed to substantiate the benefits of mammography as an early detection tool. So while millions of women are conforming to the medical industry’s imperative by exposing their breast tissue to radiation – the results appear to be failing to consistently demonstrate that the benefits associated with routine mammograms are outweighing the potential risks.

In most every case that I am personally aware of, friends and loved ones who have undergone years of mammography detected their “lumps” on their own. Isn’t the point of mammography (and exposing breast tissue to the risks of radiation) to detect a cancerous growth before it becomes large enough to feel by hand? When asked about the inherent risks of this test, my healthcare professionals have told me that, “the radiation exposure in a mammogram is no greater than that of a routine dental x-ray.” Now maybe I’m missing something, but isn’t the “routine dental x-ray” the same x-ray that requires my body to be covered by a lead cape while all other personnel scurry out of the examination room?

It’s not that I’m objecting to those who wish to support the fight against breast cancer by displaying public symbols for the cause. It’s that the reliance on these minimal efforts is displacing the desperate need for a concentrated and collective uprising against an industrial system that continues to promote cancer in all of its forms! The “pink-washing” of the fight against breast cancer is “brain-washing” a well intentioned public into believing that these outward social expressions have meaning, in and of themselves. So the next time you wear a pink ribbon, a pink T-shirt or display a pink bumper sticker – be mindful. If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention!