Pink Reborn

CINDY LUO
Staff Writer

The pink ribbon is a well-known international symbol of breast cancer awareness. However, not many people know that its original color differ from the iconic pink ribbon.
Although The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was the first to use pink ribbons, breast cancer survivor Charlotte Hayley was the first to connect the ribbon symbol to breast cancer awareness. She began a peach-colored breast cancer ribbon campaign in order to press the National Cancer Institute to increase its budget for cancer prevention research. Her concept interested Estée Lauder Cosmetics and Self, a women’s health magazine. They approached Hayley, but she rejected their offers because it was too commercial. To avoid copyright issues, Estée Lauder Cosmetics and Self changed the color from peach to light pink. After being publicized in Self’s 1992 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue, the symbol became known throughout the country.
The pink ribbon evokes solidarity among those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and those who are survivors. Representing hope for the future, it symbolizes the charitable goodness of those who support the breast cancer movement.