Every institution needs a symbol. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s the infamous pink ribbon. The pink ribbon lapel pin has evolved into much more than a mere accessory: it is a universal symbol for the fight against breast cancer.

During the month of October, the United States is everything pink to honor breast cancer survivors, women currently fighting and those who have lost their lives to the disease. However, pink has become quite the controversial color.

Activists feel as though the growing number of pink products are for pure commercialization, not for raising breast cancer awareness. The world is decked out in pink this month, but without knowledge of the color’s original intention.

Breast cancer claims the lives of more than 40,500 women every year. Raising awareness for it has led to quite a slow reduction in female breast cancer incidents since 1990, but a decline nonetheless.

All realities of the deadly disease are shut out by marketing—mammograms, treatments, early detection, etc. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not a time for marketing, but instead for movement.

St. Dominic’s strong effort to raise awareness of breast cancer is evident in our annual fundraisers and hair cuttings. This week, many St. Dominic girls selflessly donated their hair for those in need.

“I donated my hair for the kids, and that was the best part… It was the best feeling,” said senior Ally Duffy.

Our community takes action because breast cancer has impacted the lives of friends and family in the St. Dominic community.

“My gammy underwent a partial mastectomy and several radiation treatments. A year ago this month she received her last radiation treatment and went into remission. We fought with her the whole way through and she beat it like she knew we could. Through the process, my family grew closer and appreciated each other more than we ever did before,” said senior Sidney Thorpe.

Although the breast cancer awareness campaign might be pretty in pink, it is essential not to forget the true meaning of the cause. There is still a lot of work to be done in the fight against breast cancer. Remember to focus on the problem, not the pink.