Cancer is a devastating disease that impacts millions of people worldwide. While cancer research has made great strides in developing new treatments, there is still much to learn about the causes and risk factors for different types of cancer. One interesting area of cancer research looks at the connections between cancer types and colors. Scientists have found that certain colors are associated with awareness for particular cancers. Learning what colors represent different cancers can help raise awareness and spur support for cancer research.
Pink Ribbon for Breast Cancer
The pink ribbon is the most recognizable symbol for a specific type of cancer. Breast cancer advocates adopted the pink ribbon as a symbol of breast cancer awareness in the early 1990s. The Susan G. Komen Foundation distributed pink ribbons to participants in its 1991 Race for the Cure event. Since then, the pink ribbon has been used in campaigns to increase breast cancer awareness, raise funds for research, and reduce stigma around the disease. Many breast cancer nonprofits use pink ribbons in their educational materials, fundraising campaigns, and event branding. Pink ribbons are commonly seen on everything from t-shirts and hats to water bottles and bumper stickers. The pink ribbon is an instantly recognizable icon representing support for breast cancer patients, survivors and research.
Light Blue Ribbon for Prostate Cancer
Light blue ribbons represent prostate cancer awareness. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. Light blue ribbons bring attention to the importance of prostate cancer testing and education. The light blue color was chosen because blue traditionally represents men’s health issues. Wearing a light blue ribbon is a simple way for men and loved ones to show solidarity with the millions of prostate cancer survivors fighting this disease. The light blue ribbon honors prostate cancer victims and spotlights the need for increased research to improve testing, treatments and potential cures.
Burgundy Ribbon for Brain Cancer
The burgundy ribbon represents brain cancer awareness. Brain tumors are diverse, complex and often aggressive. About 700,000 people in the United States are living with a primary brain tumor. Burgundy ribbons are worn to remember those lost to brain tumors. The rich, deep shade of burgundy was selected because brain cancer affects all genders, races and socioeconomic groups. The burgundy ribbon unites brain tumor patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates in working toward better treatments and quality of life. Burgundy ribbons also bring attention to the need for more research into the causes of and cures for brain tumors and cancers. Wearing a burgundy ribbon promotes education about the warning signs of brain tumors while honoring those impacted by this disease.
Teal Ribbon for Ovarian Cancer
The teal ribbon represents ovarian cancer awareness. Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system, but it accounts for only about 3% of all cancers in women. A teal ribbon is worn to raise awareness of the subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer and the need for improved early detection and treatment. Teal was chosen as the color of ovarian cancer awareness because it represents the greenish blue color of healthy ovaries. The teal ribbon embodies hope for overcoming the challenges in conquering ovarian cancer. It also honors the courage and memory of all those who lost their lives or are still fighting against this deadly women’s cancer.
Purple Ribbon for Pancreatic Cancer
The purple ribbon represents pancreatic cancer awareness. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest common cancers. The overall 5-year survival rate for people with pancreatic cancer is just 11%. Such a low survival rate makes raising awareness of the risk factors, symptoms and treatment options for pancreatic cancer even more important. The regal purple color embodies the brave spirit of those battling pancreatic cancer. Wearing a purple ribbon memorializes those lost too soon to this aggressive cancer. The purple ribbon also builds solidarity, community and hope in the ongoing efforts to battle this difficult disease through research, clinical trials, improved treatments and early detection.
Blue Ribbon for Colon Cancer
A blue ribbon represents colon cancer awareness. Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women combined in the United States. Increased awareness of colon cancer risk factors and symptoms is key to catching this “silent killer” in its early stages when treatment is most effective. The blue ribbon embodies vigilance and support for colon cancer testing, research and education. The blue color was chosen in honor of the blue smocks surgeons wear in the operating room when removing colon cancer tumors. Wearing a blue ribbon encourages screening and spotlights the needs for funding, research and improved treatments to give colon cancer patients a better chance of beating this disease.
Gold Ribbon for Childhood Cancer
The gold ribbon represents childhood cancer awareness. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children under the age of 15. Gold represents the innocence, hope and bravery of children and teens fighting cancer. The gold ribbon shines a light on the impact of cancer on the lives of children, survivors, and their families. Wearing a gold ribbon honors children taken too soon by cancer. It also symbolizes the need for research into the causes of pediatric cancers and more effective, less toxic treatments. The gold ribbon embodies the belief that all children deserve a chance to survive, thrive and pursue their dreams cancer-free.
Pearl Ribbon for Lung Cancer
A pearl ribbon represents lung cancer awareness. Lung cancer accounts for about 13% of all new cancers diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, only about 19% of lung cancers are diagnosed at an early stage when the cancer may be more treatable. The pearl ribbon draws attention to lung cancer risks and treatment options. Pearls represent the wisdom of early screening and detection. The pearl ribbon also honors those who lost their battle with lung cancer and supports funding for research. Wearing a pearl ribbon is a visual reminder of the importance of understanding lung cancer risks, symptoms, and solutions to improve survival.
Plum Ribbon for Stomach Cancer
A plum ribbon is the color for stomach cancer awareness. Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, affects about 27,000 Americans each year. The plum ribbon represents hope for preventing, detecting and treating stomach cancer. Plums themselves contain antioxidants with the potential to fight cancer growth. Wearing a plum ribbon spreads awareness of stomach cancer risks and symptoms while honoring stomach cancer survivors. It also pays tribute to those lost to stomach cancer and shows unity with patients and families affected by this disease. The rich purple shade makes the plum ribbon a symbol of courage and perseverance in the fight against stomach cancer.
Wrap Up
Cancer awareness ribbons help spotlight key facts, statistics, risks, symptoms, research and stories for different cancer types. Wearing a colored ribbon is a simple way to visualize support for and solidarity with those impacted by cancer. Being able to identify what colors represent what cancers is key to supporting education, research, screening, treatment and above all, hope for all those fighting cancer.
| Color | Cancer Type |
|---|---|
| Pink | Breast Cancer |
| Light Blue | Prostate Cancer |
| Burgundy | Brain Cancer |
| Teal | Ovarian Cancer |
| Purple | Pancreatic Cancer |
| Blue | Colon Cancer |
| Gold | Childhood Cancer |
| Pearl | Lung Cancer |
| Plum | Stomach Cancer |