Some people appear to have a fascination with cancer colours. Nothing wrong with that until it turns into a cult overshadowing everything else. I saw the same issues coming out of bloggers of varying cancer types via my association with WEGO (now part of Health Union), particularly with Breast Cancer and their pink thing. On a similar subject, I’ve seen quite a few posts entitled “Not all Cancer is pink”. I suspect it’s a reference to the ubiquitous publicity that many women’s cancer-related advocates, bloggers and organisations attract. Although, whether this is publicity that reflects reality or actually works, is another thing. Those who use this phrase are perhaps concerned there is an imbalance and inherent unfairness in the distribution of support and are frustrated that their own cancer does not fare as well publicly. I share that frustration; however, I take my hat off to the battalions of advocates, bloggers and organisations who work very hard for breast and the various gynaecological cancers whether they push pink or not.
For the record, not all breast cancer patients push or even agree with the ‘pink’ thing, some of them find the pink stuff quite wrong (read here) – you should read this as I would wager a bet this is happening with NET too. One other breast cancer blogger suggested that the fluffy pink stuff may not have been checked for carcinogen content, something to consider next time you pick up that fluffy animal at NET conferences. As inferred above, a lot of breast cancer advocates think the ‘pink’ has gone too far, citing that it presents the wrong image of a disease which kills many people, i.e. everything appears to be pink and fluffy.
I’ve even seen this term used within my own community and it’s what has prompted me to write this post. Not only is our black and white focus a total an unmitigated awareness disaster, but attempting to cash in by tying in the ‘pink’ thing with the black and white thing e.g. “Not all cancer is pink ….. etc” is one of the worst examples of NET awareness I’ve ever seen (….believe me when I say that I see terrible examples almost daily). The latest one about a patient who also has breast cancer being described as a ‘pink zebra’ makes me physically sick, in fact anything related to ‘zebra‘ causes me genuine anxiety because it’s something that belongs in the 1940s, not today. And I mean the whole NET community – doctors should focus on Oncology, not Zoology.
Notwithstanding the potential for upsetting hard-working women’s cancer organisations and the fact that those in the NET community who push the pink angle, do not have a corresponding ‘Not all cancer is blue’ article, I also think we might be missing a trick. And here’s the trick which is my alternative view on where we should be more focused – Not all Cancer is black and white and nothing in cancer is ever black and white. As I don’t want to indulge in ‘Cancer Olympics‘ (it can backfire), I’m clearly using the context of the phrase ‘black and white’ rather than the ribbon colours.
Let me explain my logic. There are two sides to most people’s experience or perception of cancer. Firstly, symptoms appear, a diagnosis is made, treatment is applied and if it works, the patient will hopefully go into remission after a period of time dictated by healthcare guidelines. The other side is that sadly, some people may not survive the ordeal and that even applies to certain so-called ‘pink’ cancers (metastatic breast cancer for example). Clearly, there are variations of my very simple binary explanation, but these two outcomes are very common scenarios.
However, many cancers (including my own Neuroendocrine Cancer) are often silent, produce vague symptoms, are difficult to diagnose, treatment plans can be a challenge, most metastatic patients and many with other stages will never really be cured, and will need lifelong support (another challenge we need to focus on). Clearly, there are also variations on this theme but with many scenarios and different outcomes. Neuroendocrine Cancer has many ‘grey’ areas. That is the REALITY, and no number of animal-themed painted fingernails will change that. Not all cancer is pink, that’s true. However, not all cancer is ‘black and white’ – some can be extremely ‘grey’.
Disclaimer
I am not a doctor or any form of medical professional, practitioner or counsellor. None of the information on my website, or linked to my website(s), or conveyed by me on any social media or presentation, should be interpreted as medical advice given or advised by me.
Neither should any post or comment made by a follower or member of my private group be assumed to be medical advice, even if that person is a healthcare professional. Some content may be generated by AI which can sometimes be misinterpreted. Please check any references attached.
Please also note that mention of a clinical service, trial/study or therapy does not constitute an endorsement of that service, trial/study or therapy by Ronny Allan, the information is provided for education and awareness purposes and/or related to Ronny Allan’s own patient experience. This element of the disclaimer includes any complementary medicine, non-prescription over the counter drugs and supplements such as vitamins and minerals.
Click here and answer all questions to join my private Facebook group
Facebook
Twitter
WordPress
Instagram
Thanks for reading.
Check out my Glossary of Terms – click here
Please Share this post for Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness and to help another patient
- Hey Cancer- it’s been 16 years since my “big surgery”
D Day I was 54 years and 9 months old at diagnosis on 26th July 2010. For the first few months, I had no idea what the outcome would be. What I did know at the time, given the final staging and grading, in addition to the other damage that was accumulated via various tests,… Read more: Hey Cancer- it’s been 16 years since my “big surgery” - Don’t miss these 5 posts on RonnyAllan.NET
Just click on the pictures and read (and hopefully share!) Disclaimer I am not a doctor or any form of medical professional, practitioner or counsellor. None of the information on my website, or linked to my website(s), or conveyed by me on any social media or presentation, should be interpreted as medical advice given or… Read more: Don’t miss these 5 posts on RonnyAllan.NET - Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering October 2026
Summary of October 2026 on RonnyAllan.NET October was similar to the other months of this year but like July and August, views are down on the previous two months due to 3 weeks of holiday. Still a reasonable blog performance – I can’t complain. Still managed to cover 3 new US FDA approvals! I had… Read more: Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering October 2026 - I made it to 71!
I started doing the “Piss off cancer” or “I made it” series when I got to 65, mainly because I initially thought I wouldn’t make that age. I was 54 years and 9 months old at diagnosis on 26th July 2010. For the first few months, I had no idea what the outcome would be. … Read more: I made it to 71! - Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) – Does rising incidence and prevalence need more research, funding and resources?
The title of this blog is the form of a rhetorical question. Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) – Does rising incidence and prevalence need more research, funding and resources? I guess if you ask any patient, the answer is a resounding YES. I also very much guess that many doctors would repeat that answer. And some are… Read more: Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) – Does rising incidence and prevalence need more research, funding and resources? - Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering September 2026
Summary of September 2026 on RonnyAllan.NET September was similar to the other months of this year but like July and August, views are down on the previous two months due to 3 weeks of holiday. Still a reasonable blog performance – I can’t complain. Still managed to cover 3 new US FDA approvals! I had… Read more: Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering September 2026 - Amneal Lanreotide Approved by US FDA
Amneal launches first CGT‑designated U.S. generic lanreotide — what NET patients need to know Amneal has launched the first Competitive Generic Therapy (CGT)‑designated U.S. generic for lanreotide, a major milestone in a market long dominated by Ipsen’s Somatuline® Depot. The product — lanreotide injection 120 mg/0.5 mL in a sterile single‑dose prefilled syringe —… Read more: Amneal Lanreotide Approved by US FDA - Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering August 2026
Summary of August 2026 on RonnyAllan.NET August was similar to the other months of this year but like July, views are down on the previous two months due to 50% of the month spent on holiday. Still a reasonable blog performance – I can’t complain. Other key targets met were three more editions of the Spotlight… Read more: Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering August 2026 - External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Disclaimer: The information in this section is for education only and does not represent a standard care pathway or service. These treatments are not suitable for everyone, and careful patient selection by an experienced multidisciplinary team is essential. Always discuss your individual situation with your own specialist team. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is… Read more: External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms - 2026 Surveillance Update from Ronny Allan: “See you in 12 months”
It’s only a couple of weeks since I celebrated my 16th year since diagnosis of metastatic small intestine Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) at Grade 2 on 26th July 2010. Thinking back to that period of my life, I’m happy but also slightly amazed to be celebrating such a long milestone having been diagnosed with cancer at… Read more: 2026 Surveillance Update from Ronny Allan: “See you in 12 months”
Please Share this post for Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness and to help another patient
Discover more from Ronny Allan - Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Interesting article Ronny. I am a person that has worn both the pink and now the gray hat. I have a pretty rounded view of this issue. NETS is coming out of the closet and is still a newbie. Our time is coming because this disease is on the upswing. We need to keep pushing forward just like the pink ladies have done. I resent no one with cancer and I am not a zebra. Good talk!
thanks, me neither!
I know that I do not often comment, but know that I do read and share your posts. Once again, you are spot-on in telling it like it is!
It’s the only way!
Very interesting this observation. In October in my country , Brazil , ( do not know which other more) there is a large media campaign and public health agencies about breast cancer: is the ” Pink October” . As ridiculous as it sounds, I found myself with a certain envy of patients who have cancer as reported , studied, researched . And MY rare carcinoid of the stomach with liver metastasis ?? Nobody cares? Only I have this disease then it’s my problem ?? No one bothers to search , to discover new drugs, treatments for a rare disease that does not estimable profit ???
I know it’s pathetic, is rock bottom even envy other people’s cancer , but sometimes we feel so lonely in our misfortune that by this kind of thinking stupid torments us . Unfortunately…
Thank you for your comment Marcia. I share your frustration and Oct is indeed the month (the whole month) for Breast Cancer Awareness. For them this is a great thing. I do sympathise that there are not many patients in Brazil with NET Cancer (perhaps there are more but are misdiagnosed?). NET Cancer needs more awareness which is one of the reasons for my blog – for me every day is NET Cancer Day and we need to focus on the ‘grey’ aspects of our cancer as an awareness tool. I hope you will support my posts going forward.
Reblogged this on Tony Reynolds Blog and commented:
I think you may be prejudiced, are you?