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Gayle A. Sulik M.A., Ph.D.

About

Gayle Sulik Ph.D. is a freelance medical writer and editor with expertise in the domains of medical sociology, oncology, and public health. She founded the Breast Cancer Consortium in 2012 — an international working group committed to energizing the scientific and public discourse about breast cancer. She received the prestigious National Endowment for the Humanities research fellowship (2008), was named as one of the top ten online influencers in the field of breast cancer from ShareCare (2012), and won the Sociologists for Women in Society Distinguished Feminist Lecturer award (2013) for research excellence and ability to reach a wide audience.

Sulik's ground-breaking analysis of the culture and industry of breast cancer, richly described in her book Pink Ribbon Blues: How Breast Cancer Culture Undermines Women’s Health, is an essential read that provides thorough grounding for thinking through the complexities of breast cancer, science, and the systems set up to support people diagnosed with cancer. Her essays have been published by CNN, Scientific American, Psychology Today, Narratively, Oxford University Press, The Guardian, Kevin MD, and other outlets. She is regularly interviewed in a variety of media from Reuters and USA Today to Marie Claire, BMJ, Health News Review, The New York Times Magazine, and other news outlets. She has been a guest on Al Jazeera’s The Stream, NPR, America’s Radio News Network, The Kojo Nnamdi Show, Oprah Radio, Reach MD, and elsewhere.

Gayle Sulik has much to offer in showing others not only how to do the kind of important research she has done, but how to communicate it in ways that make a difference.

Books by Gayle A. Sulik M.A., Ph.D.
Recent Posts
“Period, End of Discussion?” Not So Fast
An interview on NPR’s Fresh Air yesterday between Terry Gross and Dr. Elisa Port, chief of breast surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center, touched upon breast cancer screening, cancer spread, surgical removal of a healthy breast, genetic testing, and general changes in treatment over the years. Unfortunately, it missed the boat on the most hot-button issue of all. Evidence.
Pink Ribbon Purge
I’ve been researching and writing about breast cancer for so many years that I’ve accumulated a plethora of pink-ribbon-themed items. I’m finished with the baggage. Taking control of my surroundings has been very freeing!
Shaping Women's Lives: Our Bodies, Ourselves
"Our Bodies, Ourselves" is listed in the Library of Congress "Books That Shaped America.” Since its original publication more than 40 years ago, the book set a foundation for evidence-based, culturally appropriate information on women’s health, sexuality, and reproduction. Co-author Judy Norsigian says, “Gatekeepers no longer have the control they had in the past.”
The Unbearable Weight of the Pink Ribbon
Former writer for the L.A. Times Laurie Becklund, age 66, died on February 8th from metastatic breast cancer. As she lay dying, she wrote a scathing op-ed, published after her death, denouncing breast cancer 'awareness.' Indeed, most awareness campaigns overlook several key facts about breast cancer, facts that make a world of difference. #Metsmonday.
"Waiting for Cancer to Come"

"Waiting for Cancer to Come" weaves together women’s beliefs and experiences of genetic testing and its impact on their lives, families, and futures. The author shares detailed accounts of how women prepared for genetic testing, made sense of the results, and made decisions about what to do with the information and cope with the aftermath.

"Waiting for Cancer to Come" weaves together women’s beliefs and experiences of genetic testing and its impact on their lives, families, and futures. The author shares detailed accounts of how women prepared for genetic testing, made sense of the results, and made decisions about what to do with the information and cope with the aftermath.

Independent Journalist Opts Out of Screening Mammograms

Independent journalist Christie Aschwanden explains in the Journal of the American Medical Association how she decided (without the help of her doctor) to opt out of screening mammograms, not just in her 40s but indefinitely.

Independent journalist Christie Aschwanden explains in the Journal of the American Medical Association how she decided (without the help of her doctor) to opt out of screening mammograms, not just in her 40s but indefinitely.

Why I Voted for a Frack Free Denton

Denton, TX became the first city in The Lone Star state to put a legal limit on what it will permit the gas and oil industry to do within its borders. As a sociologist, the lead up to the vote was fascinating. As a citizen and resident, it was scary to see a politically supported industry focus its attention so squarely on putting the kibosh on informed enfranchisement.

Denton, TX became the first city in The Lone Star state to put a legal limit on what it will permit the gas and oil industry to do within its borders. As a sociologist, the lead up to the vote was fascinating. As a citizen and resident, it was scary to see a politically supported industry focus its attention so squarely on putting the kibosh on informed enfranchisement.

Rethinking Pink: How This Work Started, and Why It Continues

It all started with Cathy. Then after Rachel came into my life I knew the critical stance I had taken on the culture and industry surrounding breast cancer would keep going until meaningful change became a reality.

It all started with Cathy. Then after Rachel came into my life I knew the critical stance I had taken on the culture and industry surrounding breast cancer would keep going until meaningful change became a reality.

The Teal Before The Pink: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Although September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month you won’t see the White House lighted in teal, store shelves lined with teal-colored products, or many schools attempting to raise awareness of the disease. Pink has been the color of choice when it comes to cause support.

Although September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month you won’t see the White House lighted in teal, store shelves lined with teal-colored products, or many schools attempting to raise awareness of the disease. Pink has been the color of choice when it comes to cause support.

Decision-Making in the Midst of Medical Un/Certainty

When overtreatment enters the picture, public discussion tends to fracture as consumer choice butts heads with emerging evidence, existing protocols, embedded interests, and social forces. So it is with Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy (CPM) - the removal of both the breast where breast cancer cells have been found and the healthy breast on the other side.

When overtreatment enters the picture, public discussion tends to fracture as consumer choice butts heads with emerging evidence, existing protocols, embedded interests, and social forces. So it is with Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy (CPM) - the removal of both the breast where breast cancer cells have been found and the healthy breast on the other side.