Pinktober at Work - Supporting Women Beyond the Ribbon

by Tracy Samaha Neurocognitive Consultant | Behavioral Science Researcher

Trigger Warning: This article includes open discussion around serious health conditions and the emotional impact they have. If that’s something personal or sensitive for you, please read with care.

When Everything Turns Pink

October rolls in, and suddenly everything turns pink. Coffee cups, social media posts, office email signatures — all pinked out for what we call Pinktober.

It’s part awareness, part marketing campaign, and ideally, part genuine support for people going through something deeply challenging.

But let’s zoom in on what that support really looks like — especially at work.

Because illness doesn’t pause for meetings. It shows up in our inboxes, in HR conversations, and in quiet moments when someone tries to hold it together at their desk.

And yet, a lot of what we see this month is ribbons and hashtags — not always real conversations.

So What Is Pinktober Supposed to Be?

At its core, it’s meant to encourage awareness, early checkups, and community support.

The pink ribbon became a symbol of solidarity — a way to say “you’re not alone.”

And for a lot of people, that matters.

But the narrative often ends at “survivorship.”

We hear a lot about strong women who “beat it” and “came back stronger.”

What we hear less about are the women who are still navigating appointments, treatments, exhaustion, and fear — while trying to keep their jobs, manage a team, or simply make it through the week.

As Professor Rachel Kraus put it, we need to look past the pink-tinted version of the story.

“These efforts often focus on encouraging women to get screened with mammograms to increase the possibility that the cancer will be detected early.Breast cancer patients are celebrated for ‘beating’ cancer, ‘winning’ the battle, having survived and being cured.But these messages overlook the experiences of millions of breast cancer patients.”

What Actually Helps at Work?

If you’re in HR, management, or simply part of a team — you can do more than wear pink on Fridays.

For Employers and Team Leaders

• Skip the pink-washing. Share real resources about self-checks, screenings, or medical benefits. That matters more than themed cupcakes.

• Create space for real talk. Make health and emotional wellbeing part of the culture — not something whispered in private.

• Be flexible. Whether it’s time off, remote days, or lighter workloads, lead with empathy.

If Someone You Work With Shares Their Diagnosis

• Start with presence. “I’m here if you want to talk” is far better than awkward silence.

• Don’t disappear. Staying consistent means a lot. So does asking, “What do you need right now?”

• Let them lead. Ask before offering solutions, and respect what they don’t want to share.

If You’re the One Going Through It

Deciding to share your situation at work is never easy. But if you do:

• Stick to what you’re comfortable with. You’re not obligated to explain everything.

• Say what you need. Whether it’s time off, adjusted hours, or simply understanding.

• Come with a plan if you can. Handing over tasks or setting expectations can make things smoother for everyone — including you.

And if you're balancing work while managing treatments or recovery

• Protect your energy. This isn’t about pushing through — it’s about pacing yourself.

• Don’t feel guilty asking for help. People often want to support — they just don’t know how.

• Remember: your job isn’t your worth. Resting isn’t “falling behind.” It’s healing.

What Pinktober Is Really About

Pinktober isn’t about merch or marketing. It’s not about pretending things are fine or calling everyone a hero.

It’s about remembering that many women — friends, coworkers, leaders — are carrying something heavy, quietly, while still showing up.

If you’re in a position to make that easier — do it.

Wear the ribbon, sure. But more importantly: listen. Show up. Be human.

Because real support isn’t seasonal.It’s what we do when no one’s looking.

Resources & Further Reading

• What to Say to Someone Going Through a Health Crisis — AARP: What to Say to Someone Who Is Sick AARP

• Cancer in the Workplace: Tip Sheet — American Cancer Society (HR & Employee versions) Cancer.org+1

• How Awareness Campaigns Can Do Better — Psychology Today: What to Say to Someone Who Is Sick — And What Not to Say Psychology Today

• Balancing Work and Health Challenges — UnderstandCancerTogether: Tips for Balancing Cancer and Workunderstandcancerto