Newspapers Examine Topics Related To Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology;  Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 08 Oct 2009 - 4:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and several newspapers recently published stories relating to breast cancer research, treatment and awareness. Summaries appear below.

• Research: The Chicago Tribune recently examined how doctors and scientists are working to apply new advancements in breast cancer research to patients. While significant advancements have been made in the early detection, treatment and prevention of breast cancer, researchers are now focused on how to compile that information to fight the disease in specific patients, the Tribune reports (Frellick, Chicago Tribune, 10/4).

• Breast reconstruction: Lynn Duncan Permanent Cosmetics in Wisconsin offers a tattooing procedure called intradermal pigmentation to create more realistic looking aerolas and nipples in women who have had breast reconstruction after mastectomies, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Duncan said she treats about 30 women annually, most of whom are referred by their doctors or hear about her through word of mouth (Frake, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/6).

• Outreach to men: Some organizations are using sex appeal to target breast cancer-awareness messages toward men, with slogans such as "save the boobs" and ads featuring close-ups of women's breasts, the AP/Long Island Newsday reports. Although supporters of the campaigns say they help spread awareness among men and younger women, some advocates feel the ads are offensive and compromise the seriousness of breast cancer research (Schou, AP/Long Island Newsday, 10/5).

• 'Pink Ribbon' products: Some breast cancer advocates are warning consumers who buy pink products to fund breast cancer research that their money might "contribute more to corporate marketing than to fight against the disease," the Boston Herald reports. Some companies that market purchases as supporting breast cancer research donate a very small percentage of sales to the cause, while others require consumers to register products online or mail in proofs of purchase before a donation is made, according to the Herald. Experts say that making cash donations to research organizations is the best way for consumers to ensure their money makes a difference (Fargen, Boston Herald, 10/4).

Reprinted with kind permission from http://www.nationalpartnership.org. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.

© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.

• Additional
• References
• Citations