Breast Cancer Merchandise Already Popping Up for October Sales

According to a Chicago Sun-Times article, "In the Pink", the sales have already begun for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October 2006. And of course, the cynics who despise the corporate greed behind the sale of pink merchandise are starting to raise their voices.

The symbol of breast cancer awareness might as well be a dollar sign. Over the past 15 years, it's become ubiquitous in April through October merchandising. And there's no sign marketers are easing up on its use to sell cosmetics, cars and even chicken.

Pink ribbon marketers have already ramped up the 2006 offerings. Starting with Mother's Day-related promotions on through to Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, many are affiliated with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the pre-eminent awareness and research fund:

Sure, there's some ridculous products out there being sold in the name of breast cancer research, but is it really all that bad? The proof is in the pink: The Komen foundation brought in more than $30 million from its 2005 partnerships.