Cancer affects millions of people worldwide each year. Different cancers are often represented by different colored ribbons, with the most well-known being the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness. But is there a universal color that represents all cancers? Here we’ll examine the different ribbon colors used for various cancers and look at the meaning behind each one.
History of Cancer Ribbon Colors
The tradition of using colored ribbons to represent various causes dates back to the late 1970s. The first ribbon used as a symbol was the red ribbon, worn to show support for those living with HIV/AIDS. In the early 1990s, the pink ribbon was introduced as a symbol of breast cancer awareness by the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Since then, colored ribbons have exploded in popularity as symbols for many other diseases and causes. The varying colors help distinguish the focus of each ribbon. While the pink ribbon remains the most recognizable cancer ribbon, many other colors are now associated with specific cancer types.
Common Cancer Ribbon Colors and Meanings
| Color | Cancer Type |
|---|---|
| Pink | Breast cancer |
| Dark blue | Colon cancer |
| Gray | Brain cancer |
| Teal | Ovarian cancer |
| Purple | Pancreatic cancer |
| Burgundy | Multiple myeloma |
| Emerald green | Liver cancer |
| Pearl | Lung cancer |
| Lavender | General cancer |
Some of the more common cancer ribbon colors are pink for breast cancer, dark blue for colon cancer, gray for brain cancer, and teal for ovarian cancer. Other colors include purple for pancreatic cancer, burgundy for multiple myeloma, emerald green for liver cancer, and pearl for lung cancer.
Lavender ribbons are sometimes used as a general symbol for all types of cancers. However, lavender is more commonly associated with certain specific causes, like childhood cancer, so it has not been universally adopted as the standard cancer color.
The Significance of Color in Cancer Ribbons
The use of different colors allows each ribbon to create a unique identity and helps raise awareness for that particular cancer. The color itself also often carries symbolism:
– Pink ribbons bring a sense of femininity and womanhood to the fight against breast cancer.
– Teal represents ovarian cancer and is linked to female reproductive health.
– Dark blue is a calming, dignified color fitting for colorectal cancer.
– Gray reflects the neutrality and complexity of the brain for brain cancer ribbons.
– Green is tied to renewal, growth and life, bringing hope for liver cancer victims.
– Purple evokes royalty and speaks to the bravery of those battling pancreatic cancer.
So the colors themselves add deeper meaning to each disease-specific ribbon. This helps strengthen public commitment to that cause.
The Push for a Universal Cancer Ribbon Color
Despite the proliferation of colored ribbons, there have been some efforts to establish a singular, universal color to represent all types of cancer.
In 2011, a group of Canadian cancer organizations led a campaign to brand lavender as the universal color of cancer. They felt one unified color would better reflect cancer as a global issue. It could also fill any gaps where a disease lacked its own branded ribbon.
However, the lavender ribbon has so far failed to catch on as the definitive universal cancer color. One reason is that other causes, like epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, and premature birth already used lavender.
Additionally, many established cancer organizations were reluctant to give up their existing colored ribbons. There were concerns that a single color would diminish the individual identities of each disease.
Gold Ribbons for Childhood Cancer
One color that has gained some traction as a universal cancer symbol is gold. Gold ribbons are specifically used to represent all types of childhood cancers.
Childhood cancer organizations have rallied around the gold ribbon to foster a sense of solidarity. It reinforces that children with cancer of any type deserve support and awareness.
Gold is meant to symbolize the preciousness of childhood. The gold ribbon first emerged in the 1970s but has become more widely adopted since the 2000s. September is designated as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so gold ribbons are particularly prominent during this time.
Teal and White for Ovarian Cancer
Another variation on the universal cancer ribbon is the teal and white ribbon used for ovarian cancer. While teal alone represents ovarian cancer, the teal and white ribbon is meant as a broader symbol for all gynecologic cancers.
Gynecologic cancers include cervical, uterine, vaginal, vulvar, and ovarian cancers. Adding white to the teal ovarian cancer ribbon makes the statement that cancers affecting women’s reproductive systems warrant communal support.
Periwinkle as a Near-Universal Color
Periwinkle is another potential candidate for a universal cancer ribbon color. It was one of the options proposed by the collaborative Canadian campaign.
Periwinkle carries less defined meaning than other colors, giving it the ability to represent cancer overall. It has been adopted by some organizations as an all-encompassing cancer color, though not yet on a wide scale.
One high-profile use of periwinkle is by the V Foundation for Cancer Research, founded by ESPN and basketball coach Jim Valvano before he died of cancer. The V Foundation uses a periwinkle ribbon in its logo as their way of branding the color.
Lime Green for Lymphoma
Among individual cancer types, lime green is emerging as somewhat of a universal color for cancers of the lymphatic system. Lime green ribbons represent lymphoma, leukemia, lymphedema and other lymphatic diseases.
Unlike broader cancer ribbons, lime green has been more eagerly embraced as the definitive color of blood cancers by major health organizations. Lime green lends itself well as both a blend of lymphoma’s original green ribbon with leukemia’s previous orange ribbon.
The White Ribbon
In some instances, white ribbons are used in place of a disease-specific color to represent those lost to any cancer. White takes on the meaning of remembrance, honor, and luminosity.
A white cancer ribbon serves as a blank canvas to represent all those affected by cancer. It can be a catch-all symbol when a specific color is unknown, acting as a neutral, all-encompassing color.
Conclusion
While universal cancer ribbons have gained traction in certain areas, there is still no definitive consensus on a single color to represent cancer as a whole. The enduring distinctiveness of the pink breast cancer ribbon has set the tone for creating strong associations between colors and cancer types.
Nonetheless, the desire for unity and inclusion has given rise to broader cancer ribbons in specific contexts. As cancer remains a critical health issue, the evolution of cancer ribbon colors will continue unfolding. The ribbons provide a visual medium for expressing information, raising awareness, and signaling solidarity around a complex disease.
