Cancer Survivor Merchandise is Getting on My Nerves
Since the first time I found out that I had cancer, I have disliked the term cancer survivor. Before I had cancer, the term seemed positive. Now it doesn't, because I believe it is a meaningless catch phrase. In my eyes, it is also somewhat insulting to those that did not survive cancer. I know people don't mean any harm by saying it. It is sort of like saying, "Hey, congratulations on being alive!" By being a so-called cancer survivor, it doesn't mean that I worked harder. Yet it insinuates some kind of achievement, as if cancer survivors have earned the right to keep living. What about the people that did not survive? Many of them tried to live much harder than I did. Guess what? I had very little to do with it. I am just one of the random lucky ones that have a little more time here.
There are cancer survivor walks, stories, celebrations, online photo albums, etc. I am not here to say there shouldn't be. But honestly, all I did was try to go through the motions of living day to day. I did not do anything heroic. I went to my treatments and I am better now. All I am trying to say is that it is not like we tried harder than those that did not survive cancer. I would rather recognize the people that struggled with cancer but didn't make it. A friend of mine died while we were going through chemotherapy together. She could hardly walk, had no hair, and was sick constantly for three years. Through it all she tried to stay positive for the benefit of her family. She suffered through this for three years only to pass away. If anyone deserves recognition, it would be her. In honor of all the people that did not survive cancer, we should take what precious time we have to enjoy our cancer-free life. We don't need to identify and brand ourselves as "cancer survivors". I do not need cancer survivor T-shirts, Christmas ornaments and coffee cups to remind myself of having cancer. I won't forget.
Published by Rebecca Said
Rebecca Said enjoys writing about a wide variety of subjects. Strong interests include animal welfare, dogs and cats, internet marketing and politics. View profile
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11 Comments
Post a CommentMy cousin has had numerous surgeries and is still trying to beat the cancer that is ravaging her body and spirit. I wanted to send a thoughful gift to let her know she is in my thoughts. I am glad I read Rebecca's opinion because it made me realize that not all people like to advertise they are struggling for their life because of cancer. I think I can send a message and gift of hope by not focusing on the cancer. Thanks Rebecca.
Maybe after you fight cancer you will understand. Lord forbid if someone you love dies from cancer. If you ever saw someone you love go through the fight you would understand why they wear the shirts and buy the products.
are you kidding me ! to be honest their are so many people in this world who have died for the very thing you take for granted ! give it up ! quit thinking the world is out to get you and everyone has to feel sorry for you ! i have cancer as week speak and i have never and would never have the attitude you do - the attitude you have kills and well if you hate your life gods better off saving someone who finds joy and happiness ! your a waste ! so sad !
I guess I feel like when I wear my ribbon pin (that I bought at an American Cancer Society function) for uterine cancer it might start a conversation that might lead to comfort or inspiration or a friendship. And yes, I wear it as a badge of courage. True, I can't and won't forget that I had cancer. It is my shield when I am weak and I find strength in showing people that I am strong enough (most days) to keep fighting. The fear of recurrance is still in the back of my mind. I have a peach bracelet that says, "Say It. Fight It. Cure It." I hope I will find the day when I can be an advocate and help those newly diagnosed. These symbols let people know they are not alone. I'm only 9 months out and the pain and fear is still fresh. No one should go it alone. I agree Alison, newly diagnosed women need to know that gynecologic cancers (and others) can be beaten. It gives hope.
I understand where you're coming from but as a cancer survivor attending cancer events, walking for a cure, raising funds and trying to get the word that cancer is still here, I wear a cancer survivor shirts as a way to let everyone know that I AM A SURVIVOR and I beat cancer. It's a way to encourage those who are newly diagnosed that cancer can be beaten. I don't mind the cancer shirts and slogans as long as I see that it is being offered to charity. In a way if we don't get the word out, it's like we're pretending cancer does not exist.
Ok, I understand where you're coming from Rebecca, but you have to understand that there are some people that really DID have to fight to survive and some people that suffered A LOT. I had cancer too, and I know, sometimes the whole cancer merchandise thing can get annoying sometimes but you make cancer sound like a walk in the park. Maybe you were diagnosed early so you didn't go through all that much, but you have to see the through the point of view of those who bareley lived. Mine was caught so late, that if they hadn't treated me immediatley, I would've died within the next few months. But I didn't. I also understand this "once" person, and I agree, and Im sorry. But you were diagnosed. And you have a chance to live. Some people don't ven get that. So when people try to "honor" you in a way, by saying that ur a survivor or wear one of those "my friend is a survivor" shirts, accept it on move on.
I understand what you are saying, but I tend to disagree. When I was diagnosed I had a 6 month old baby that was breast feeding. My local cancer society helped me get bottles and formula. along with the wigs and bras and prosthetics and other things that helped me through such a undiscibably trying time for my family and I. Alot of these things come from funds raised at local "Relay For Life" walks. sure there are bad scammers out there who are ripping people off and keeping the money. That happens in any industry. Do your homework know who you give your money to. I was given a bone marrow transplant after my second time around with breast cancer. We didnt have help paying my medical bills. Maybe if I could have sold some cheap jewelry we would still have our house. I don't know. I do know for me this was a very tough fight. I am proud to be a surviver.
I completely agree with you. Yes, I've got cancer. Yes, it's incurable (although it's a very slow kind, so I'll live for at least several years). No, it's not breast cancer. Actually, you've never heard of it -- only one in twenty thousand people get this one. And YES, I HATE being called a "cancer survivor." This is going to kill me. Dead is not the same as surviving!
What really ticks me off, though, is the stupidity of the official definition of cancer survivor. According to the US government, all of my friends, family, and neighbors are also "cancer survivors." Why? Because I've got cancer. Anyone I tell about my health is considered "affected" and therefore a "survivor". Isn't that stupid?
To the pro-pink-ribbon-industry person: The hype hasn't cured a single person. Our tax dollars -- yes. Our donations to researchers -- yes. But you know what? Practically none of the "hype" money goes to real research. Instead, it goes to profit-making companies and to
Why do you have to come down on the people who want to support the cause. I am sorry you didn't mention what kind of cancer you had. Was it breast cancer? I would like to say that you should be grateful for the merchandise that is out there and the public awareness that is being raised. Without the awareness and eduaction, many women would go undiagnosed and die without ever having the chance to fight it.....Have you ever done a race for the cure? If not you should support in that way if you feel that buying made in China products are a waste of money. Donate to cancer research directly. Help so that everyone someday WILL be a survivor...
I commend you Rebecca on your opinion. My mother died last year of Breast Cancer and I do feel that the 'Survivor Status' is a bit overdone. I have also had friends and other family members lives been ripped apart by other cancers - some did indeed survive, others did not.
All people who are genetically strong enough to fight this battle, well, bless them. It is the most frightening part of being human, to be told that all your cells are fighting against you and the treatments will invaribly bring more of a war - where you may or may not survive. It is an extremely personal battle.
Companies making money off the 'Survivor' theme is morally repugnant.
To all of you who may find offense, well instead of buying that pink ribbon, mug or tshirt, donate your time, your money, your thoughts about cancer cures to your community/congress/nation and hopefully one day, consumers will smarten up and put more personal power behind their beliefs and hopes.