Pink Drinks To Benefit Breast Cancer May Send Wrong Message
CHICAGO (CBS) - You may want to think before you drink "pink." For breast cancer awareness month, some in the liquor industry have created pink products and packaging with proceeds benefitting breast cancer causes. CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports some fear it's the wrong message to send: especially with alcohol consumption LINKED to breast cancer.
At restaurants around town this month, customers are encouraged to "pink their drink," with $1 from the sale of every alcoholic "pink-tini" or raspberry mojito benefiting a breast cancer organization.
"Not only are they good drinks, they are buying them because they want to donate to a good cause," said restaurateur Alissandro Magno.
There is one problem. The American Cancer Society reports even moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer. The trend, which includes an increasing number of liquor manufacturers creating pink products and labels, doesn't sit well with some women.
"I think it's too commercial, it takes away form the seriousness of the disease," said Gigi Shabaz from Chicago.
"I don't think they realize the risk," said Sam Chapman of Empower PR.
Chapman believes these "pink drink" efforts are often well-meaning but misguided.
"They have to make a choice between what they stand for and how much money they want," said Chapman.
With catchy self-exam campaigns like "Underwear Alerts," the Bright Pink organization has a noble goal for young women.
"Hopefully detect breast cancer at an earlier treatable stage or prevent it altogether," said Bright Pink spokesperson Leah Drew.
The beneficiary of a pink drink promotion, Bright Pink says the campaigns need to be seen in context.
"Bright Pink does not condone the excessive consumption of alcohol," said Drew.
Still, in a world where breast cancer walks and fundraisers are now annual events, some women say a pink drink doesn't send a mixed-up message.
"Anything to raise awareness and just get the word out," said one woman.
Breast cancer foundation Susan G. Komen for The Cure says it does not endorse the sale of alcohol to generate funds for breast cancer.
The local Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation, which is also receiving donations from a pink drink promotion this month, would not speak on camera. It would only say in a statement it continues to evaluate the issue.
