The Pink Ribbon Banking Program creates a perfect profit cycle: the bank uses the goodwill of a pink ribbon promotion, a breast cancer organization, and your purchases to increase their profits, which are then invested in the fossil fuel industry, which drives the breast cancer and climate crises. We are far too familiar with the impacts of the fossil fuel industry. Fossil fuel infrastructure exposes us to harmful chemicals that may increase breast cancer risk, such as benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, and PFAS, all along the continuum. These chemicals can increase breast cancer risk,  And communities on the frontlines, often low-income or people of color, always bear the heaviest burden. 

Breast cancer is a public health crisis and a social justice issue. In order to address this disease that impacts so many people, we must get to the cause at the core of the problem, not partner with organizations that are perpetuating harm. Komen cannot claim its mission to be eradicating breast cancer while maintaining, such close ties to an industry that fuels this health crisis.

It’s time to demand the immediate end of the Pink Ribbon Banking Program with Bank of America. Join me and Breast Cancer Action and tell Komen why they must phase this program out, stop banking on breast cancer, and divest from pinkwashing.

In Action,

Zoe Christopher
Program Officer & Operations Manager