Cancer awareness ribbons represent specific types of cancer and are used to promote awareness and raise funds for cancer research. Each cancer has an associated awareness ribbon color. Knowing what color stands for what cancer can help spread understanding about different cancer types. Here is a quick overview of some of the most common cancer awareness ribbon colors and what they represent:
Pink Ribbon – Breast Cancer
The pink ribbon is the most well-known cancer ribbon. It represents breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. Promoting breast cancer awareness and early detection through screening can help save lives. The pink ribbon and events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure help raise funds for breast cancer research and access to screenings and treatment.
Blue Ribbon – Colorectal Cancer
The blue ribbon represents colorectal cancer awareness. Colorectal cancer includes colon and rectal cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The rate has been dropping over the past few decades thanks to increased awareness, screening, and treatment options. Wearing a blue ribbon helps promote continued awareness and education around prevention and early detection through recommended screening tests.
Orange Ribbon – Leukemia
The orange ribbon is the color for leukemia awareness. Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow and results in high numbers of abnormal white blood cells. These cells crowd out healthy blood cells. Different types of leukemia include acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia. Orange ribbon events help raise funds and support for continued leukemia research and patient support services.
Purple Ribbon – Pancreatic Cancer
The purple ribbon represents pancreatic cancer awareness. According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the United States. It is an aggressive cancer that is difficult to detect early. The overall 5-year survival rate is very low compared to other cancers, at just 11%. The purple ribbon helps promote awareness about pancreatic cancer risks, symptoms, and the critical need for more research funding and treatment advances.
Teal Ribbon – Ovarian Cancer
The teal ribbon is the color for ovarian cancer awareness. Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries that produce eggs. It often goes undetected until the later stages as symptoms can be vague at onset. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women. Increased awareness of risk factors and promoting early detection can help save lives. Events marked by teal ribbons help provide support for ovarian cancer patients and raise funds for research.
Pearl Ribbon – Lung Cancer
The pearl ribbon represents lung cancer awareness. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women, according to the American Lung Association. The leading cause is smoking, so lung cancer is largely preventable. Pearl ribbon events help raise awareness about quitting smoking and funding for lung cancer research. Early detection and treatment advances have improved survival, but lung cancer still accounts for around 25% of all US cancer deaths.
Burgundy Ribbon – Multiple Myeloma
The burgundy ribbon is used to promote awareness of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that forms in plasma cells found in bone marrow. It causes cancer cells to accumulate in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy cells. Symptoms include bone pain, fractures, fatigue, and kidney problems. Multiple myeloma accounts for about 1% of all cancers. Burgundy ribbon events help raise funds and support for continued research and treatment advances for multiple myeloma patients.
Lime Green Ribbon – Lymphoma
The lime green ribbon represents lymphoma awareness. Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system called lymphocytes. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphoma can occur in lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow, blood, and other areas. Lime green ribbon events promote education on lymphoma diagnosis and treatment options, which have improved considerably in recent decades.
Gold Ribbon – Childhood Cancer
The gold ribbon represents childhood cancer awareness. Childhood cancer refers to cancer in children under 15 years old. Childhood cancers make up less than 1% of all cancers. However, they remain the leading cause of death by disease in children. The major types of childhood cancers include leukemia, brain tumors, lymphoma, and sarcomas. Gold ribbon events help build awareness and support for children fighting cancer and their families, as well as raise funds for research to develop better treatments.
Gray Ribbon – Brain Cancer
The gray ribbon is used to promote brain cancer awareness. Though rare, brain tumors can be deadly, as they make surgery and treatment complicated. Brain tumors can be malignant or benign. Common types include gliomas, meningiomas, medulloblastomas, and pituitary adenomas. Gray ribbon initiatives help fund research on early detection and innovative treatments. These efforts also provide support to brain cancer patients and caregivers.
Marigold Ribbon – Bladder Cancer
The marigold ribbon represents bladder cancer awareness. Bladder cancer begins in the tissues of the bladder. The most common type is transitional cell carcinoma. Smoking is a major risk factor. Bladder cancer symptoms include blood in urine and frequent, painful urination. Marigold events promote awareness of major bladder cancer risks and the need for continued research to improve treatment.
White Ribbon – Lung Cancer
In addition to the pearl ribbon, a white ribbon is also used to promote lung cancer awareness. Lung cancer has one of the highest mortality rates of all major cancers. White ribbon events help spread awareness and education about the disease to promote early detection, as well as funding research to improve treatment options for lung cancer patients. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke are key prevention measures.
Teal Ribbon – Cervical Cancer
Along with ovarian cancer awareness, a teal ribbon is also used to promote cervical cancer awareness. Cervical cancer starts in the cervix and is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccination help prevent cervical cancer. Teal ribbon events help raise awareness of the importance of cervical cancer prevention and provide support for those battling the disease.
Conclusion
Cancer awareness ribbons help promote understanding of different cancer types and the need for funding for awareness, screening, research, and patient support. Knowing what each color ribbon represents is key for supporting various cancer causes. Wearing and promoting these ribbons helps spread information and shows support for those affected by cancer. Increased cancer awareness and education benefits cancer patients, their families and caregivers, researchers, and the general public.
| Color | Cancer Type |
|---|---|
| Pink | Breast Cancer |
| Blue | Colorectal Cancer |
| Orange | Leukemia |
| Purple | Pancreatic Cancer |
| Teal | Ovarian Cancer |
| Pearl | Lung Cancer |
| Burgundy | Multiple Myeloma |
| Lime Green | Lymphoma |
| Gold | Childhood Cancer |
| Gray | Brain Cancer |
| Marigold | Bladder Cancer |
| White | Lung Cancer |
| Teal | Cervical Cancer |