More Than a Survivor

This month seems to be awash in pink ribbons and already some men are getting ahead start on Movember. There is a lot of pressure to support these campaigns and to support cancer in general. I don’t.

Nine years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a partial mastectomy and radiation I was discharged from medical care and told they did not expect to see me again. I am quite determined that I won’t be back in the situation. For me, breast cancer is something I had and have recovered from. In the same way that I had gall bladder surgery and recovered from that.

I refuse, absolutely refuse to be a “survivor”! My determination to avoid that label solidified when I saw the end of a Survivor episode and they put out someone’s torch. That ain’t me babe! I find the label “survivor” demeaning and even worse, limiting in my life and choices. If being a “survivor” defines me, then anything else I do seems of little value.Still I know that for many people that description is worn with pride and I respect their right to wear it.

Additionally, I am quite cynical about all the major disease campaigns and wonder where does the money raised go? Well, the latest figures for The Breast Cancer Foundation shows that about 50% of the money goes for administration and fund raising. My guess is that is probably true for the rest of the big disease foundations. I find that very high overhead when I know that other major charities strive to stay within 20% of funds raised for administration and fund raising.

I know for some disease charities the money goes to large drug companies for research (did not see that on the Breast Cancer Foundation website). I really have trouble with that concept. Why would my donated dollars go to a for- profit company , so they can research, develop drugs and then charge for them. It’s like giving them a free ride!

I know for many people giving to cancer research is an important thing to do. I don’t and I won’t,  in the same way I reject the “survivor” label. I am about getting on with my life. Breast cancer was 6 months out of my life and it will not define the rest of it.