Why do some illnesses get pink ribbons and celebrity advocates — while others that affect millions get silence?

Urinary incontinence affects millions of older people. Millions of older people also suffer from balance disorders, uterine prolapse and bowel dysfunction.

I can’t think of a single celebrity supporter or spokesperson for any of these common medical conditions. They generally receive little or no publicity. There are no fundraising events, awareness walks, beanie days or ribbon campaigns.

As a doctor, I’m fascinated by why some conditions and illnesses receive huge amounts of public focus and sympathy while others receive little or no mention in the media and are rarely discussed in private.

Part of the reason may lie in the stories we tell ourselves about illness.

Any condition that threatens the life of a child or young person is considered deeply unfair and devastating for families. The public responds with clicks, reads, comments and donations.

Stories of survivors inspire hope. Breast cancer is a perfect example.

Few diseases have received as much publicity as breast cancer. The pink ribbon is recognised throughout the world, and annual fundraising events raise money for research, treatment and promise of a cure. Numerous celebrities such as Kylie Minogue, Angelina Jolie and Olivia Newton-John have publicly spoken about their experiences with breast cancer and used their status to promote awareness and encourage screening.

There is no question that breast cancer deserves the attention it receives.

There is fear, but there is also hope. There are survivors.

There is action that can be taken. People can rally around the cause. They can wear ribbons, attend functions, show their support and feel positive about the medical advances that have been made and will continue towards a complete cure.

Is all suffering treated equally?

Not all medical cancers and conditions seem to fit that model. There is little advocacy or comparative awareness for diseases like liver, mouth or rectal cancers, among many others.

What chance then do non-fatal conditions have of attracting public attention, gaining public sympathy and securing donations for research and treatment?

Life-altering but non-life-threatening conditions such as urinary incontinence rarely receive the opportunity to gain public attention, attract sympathy or benefit from fundraising efforts.

Yet there is very little public conversation about them.

I am not aware of any celebrity advocates standing up for urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction or uterine prolapse despite the effects on quality of life for the sufferers. The same is true of many conditions and illnesses associated with ageing.

The reasons may be obvious. Life-threatening and life-limiting are very different stakes. Still, some suffering invites sympathy. Other forms invite discomfort.

There are certain medical conditions that people avoid discussing because they are uncomfortable. Not because they are rare or unimportant. They force us to confront things we’d rather avoid.

Deterioration.

Loss of control.

Loss of Dependence.

Things we think should be kept private.

Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and bowel dysfunction affect control of the body in ways that are deeply uncomfortable in a society obsessed with youth, vitality and attractiveness.

Youth attracts attention. Ageing often doesn’t.

Children with cancer understandably evoke a greater emotional response than an older person with a leaking bladder, even though both situations can involve profound suffering. That isn’t a criticism. It’s simply an observation.

Incontinence can destroy confidence, prevent exercising, limit mobility, lead to isolation and fear of going out in public, sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety and even loss of independence.  Due to stigma and lack of awareness, people are often still afraid to seek help or wrongly assume that it’s part of normal ageing.

We’re naturally drawn to stories of injustice, tragedy and heroism. We’re less comfortable talking about suffering and resilience involving bodily functions, sexuality and old age.

Are we simply saturated with awareness campaigns and fundraising days? Or are some forms of suffering easier to talk about than others?

Why silence has consequences

When conditions remain hidden, people are less likely to seek information, discuss their symptoms or pursue treatment. Many of the so-called “shame” conditions are highly treatable, yet embarrassment prevents people from getting the help they need. Why is it ok to discuss breast cancer with a mother or grandmother, but not reasons they may be losing their independence?

A disease doesn’t need a coloured ribbon attached to it to have a profound impact on a person’s life. Dignity and quality of life are every bit as deserving of attention as diseases that already receive widespread awareness.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.