Article by Rosana Levesque

Pink ribbon pins and other awareness products have become very popular in recent years. This is due in part to a growing trend of items “for a cause,” with proceeds often donated to research foundations or charitable organizations.

Pink ribbon pins, pink handbags and other breast cancer awareness goods are also popular due to the overwhelming number of lives this life-threatening illness touches. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 1 in 8 women will suffer from breast cancer at some point in their lives, leaving families, friends and communities to come together in support of the women they love.

Not only do breast cancer pins show support for the struggles of women suffering from this illness, they also support research and other programs. This includes the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a charity devoted to prevention and cure of the disease. The BCRF promotes the famous pink ribbon pin, and other goods that display the pink ribbon logo associated with this cause. Jewelry, clothing, personal care items and a large quantity of other supportive products are also offered by companies that have relationships with BCRF, which pledge donations to the foundation in exchange for purchase.

Pink ribbon pins are also sold and distributed by Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the United States’ largest organization devoted to the fight against this disease. This organization is also responsible for the “Race for the Cure” fundraising events. For this reason, they also sell several types of athletic clothing and sporting goods emblazoned with the pink ribbon. While the pink ribbon pin is perhaps the best-known type of breast cancer pin, there are also several other varieties sold. For example, the Komen Foundation also sells its own lapel pins for breast cancer awareness, including enamel pins especially made with the charity’s name.

Since all these awareness items are generally sold by charitable organizations, much of their purchase price is donated directly to support cancer programs. For example, the BCRF uses 90% of all monies collected by the charity to fund research and awareness programs, with only 10% going to production of goods, printed materials, salaries and other administrative costs. High percentages are also typically donated by companies who have partnerships with these charities, such as Baccarat, Swarovski and Sephora.

Simply put, breast cancer pins and similar items allow more people to make meaningful contributions to support research and awareness, even if they don’t feel like they’re financially able to donate directly.