Beyond the Pink: A Tattoo Artist’s Perspective on Pinkwashing and Real Support for Breast Cancer Survivors

Every October, the world turns pink. Pink ribbons. Pink packaging. Pink promotions. As a tattoo artist specializing in areola restoration, I see firsthand the physical and emotional aftermath of breast cancer—and I can tell you this:

Most of what you see in October isn’t helping survivors.

That sea of pink is often a distraction. It's called pinkwashing, and it's everywhere.

What Is Pinkwashing?

Pinkwashing is when companies use breast cancer awareness as a marketing tool instead of a real call to action. They slap a pink ribbon on a product, run a “for the cause” sale, and maybe donate a few cents per item—if that. Sometimes, they don’t donate anything at all.

Worse, some of these products are from companies that:

• Sell unhealthy or carcinogenic items

• Don’t disclose how much they actually donate

• Exploit survivors’ stories without giving anything back

To the outside world, it looks like support. But to those of us who work closely with survivors—it feels hollow.

My Work: Healing After the Fight

As an areola restoration tattoo artist, I meet survivors long after the pink ribbons are gone. After the chemo. After the radiation. After the mastectomy. These women (and men) come to me not for attention, but for a chance to feel whole again.

For many, recreating a realistic areola is the final step in reclaiming their bodies. It’s intimate. Emotional. And yes, deeply empowering. But here’s the truth:

🩺 Areola restoration isn’t always covered by insurance. Many survivors pay out of pocket. And pinkwashing campaigns? They don’t cover these costs.

When I hear companies claiming to “support survivors,” but do nothing to help with their actual recovery, I have to speak up.

Real Ways to Help Breast Cancer Survivors

If you really want to support those affected by breast cancer, skip the pink mug and do something that matters. Here’s how:

1. Support Survivors’ Healing—Not Just Awareness

Donate to organizations that cover treatment-related costs like:

• Areola restoration

• Post-mastectomy supplies (prosthetics, bras)

• Financial assistance during treatment

Two great examples:

• The Pink Fund

• The United Breast Cancer Foundation

  
  

2. Share Resources

Many survivors don’t know that areola tattooing is even an option—or that it can be done with artistry, precision, and dignity. Use your platform to:

• Share stories from survivors post-restoration

• Talk about options available after mastectomy

• Normalize talking about body image after cancer

  
  

3. Listen to Survivors

They don’t all want pink. Some want to move on. Some want to tell their story. Some don’t. Real support means meeting them where they are, not where the marketing campaign thinks they should be.

4. Shop With Intention

If you’re going to buy a pink product:

• Make sure it clearly states how much is donated and to which organization

• Research the company’s ethics and track record

• Consider supporting small businesses run by or benefitting actual survivors

  
  

Final Thoughts from Behind the Tattoo Chair

Every time I sit down with a client to restore what cancer took away, I’m reminded: this work is about dignity, empowerment, and healing. No pink ribbon can do that alone.

So this October—and every month after—look past the marketing. Ask questions. Support real healing. And remember that awareness isn’t enough. Survivors deserve more than pink. They deserve action.