In examining both the Breast Cancer Action (BCA) and the Susan G. Komen for a Cure websites, the difference between the role of each group within the breast cancer narrative is quite apparent. BCA is a grassroots organization, which is very focused on educating the public, addressing the root causes of breast cancer and producing public health benefits. The Susan G Komen organization is the largest breast cancer focused organization and it is seen as the face of the pink washing phenomenon heavily associated with breast cancer. They are concerned with raising money to fund breast cancer research, education, services and the like. The Komen organization is the most visible organization involved with breast cancer to the general public. The first image people think of when they hear about breast cancer is the pink ribbon campaign, which is more involved with raising money, organizing fundraisers, raising awareness of the prevalence of breast cancer, and promoting the importance of mammograms. BCA, in contrast, is concerned with advocating for “systemic interventions” to produce health benefits for the whole, instead of looking at breast cancer as an individual problem that needs an individual solution. BCA says that individual actions, such as changing ones lifestyle choices, are not sufficient enough in order to make a difference in producing public health benefits. The Susan G Komen organization seems like the “typical” non-profit, focusing on a brand and image in order to raise funds and awareness, organize fundraisers, and so on, which is quite contrary to the mission of BCA. There are three parts to the BCA mission, which are to educate the public on information and available research on breast cancer, and to challenge the public to “think before you pink”. They challenge the pink ribbon campaign, and the assumption that the majority of funds raised in pink ribbon campaigns go to breast cancer research. In reality, only 21% goes to research.
WEEK 4 – Breast Cancer Action and Susan G Komen
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