Cancer does not have one main color associated with it. However, there are some common colors used symbolically for different types of cancer awareness and fundraising campaigns.
Pink
Pink is strongly associated with breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer advocacy groups like Susan G. Komen use pink ribbons and pink merchandise to promote breast cancer research, education, support and screening. Pink was chosen partly because it’s a feminine color associated with breasts and partly to represent the pink ribbons that some survivors wear after treatment.
Many landmarks and buildings are illuminated with pink lights during breast cancer awareness months. Some NFL and college football teams use pink accessories like helmet decals, wristbands and shoelaces during October games. cause The pink ribbon symbol can be found on everything from t-shirts to water bottles to raise money for breast cancer charities.
Orange
Orange is the color used for leukemia, multiple myeloma, and kidney cancer awareness. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society uses orange as their official color. They distribute orange paper lanterns and hold orange-themed events like Light the Night Walks. Multiple myeloma groups like the International Myeloma Foundation also use orange to promote awareness, education and research.
Kidney cancer organizations like the Kidney Cancer Association utilize orange promotional items and activities to raise awareness about kidney cancer risks, diagnosis and treatment options. Orange is used to honor kidney cancer survivors and remember those lost to the disease.
Blue
Several cancers use blue in their awareness efforts, including prostate, testicular, colon and cervical cancers. Blue is traditionally associated with men and masculinity, so many prostate cancer groups like the Prostate Cancer Foundation use blue ribbons and symbols.
Testicular cancer organizations like the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation promote blue bracelets, lights, and ribbons to educate young men about monitoring for testicular abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment. Groups like Fight Colorectal Cancer use blue awareness ribbons to promote screening and early detection of colon cancer.
Blue is also connected to cervical cancer awareness and education campaigns led by groups like the National Cervical Cancer Coalition. Blue helps shine a light on the HPV virus’s link to cervical cancer and the importance of HPV vaccination.
Purple
Purple is commonly used for pancreatic, testicular, thyroid, lymphoma and lupus awareness. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network uses purple to promote its pancreatic cancer awareness and education initiatives. PurpleHelp is an organization specifically focused on raising awareness about pancreatic cancer’s symptoms and risks.
Purple ribbons are also used to promote education and screening for thyroid cancer. Purple is sometimes combined with teal to represent ovarian cancer awareness as well. The Lupus Foundation of America uses purple in its campaigns to increase understanding of lupus.
Teal
Teal is strongly associated with ovarian cancer awareness and education. Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and other groups use the teal ribbon to raise awareness of ovarian cancer warning signs and promote research into new treatments. Teal decorations can be found during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September.
Teal is also connected to cervical and uterine cancer organizations. Bold teal jewelry, t-shirts, and events help these groups raise funds and spread information about women’s reproductive cancers.
Burgundy
Burgundy or maroon represents multiple myeloma awareness. Groups like the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation use the burgundy ribbon and promotional materials to advance education, research and treatment options for multiple myeloma patients.
Lime Green
Lime green is associated with lymphoma awareness and fundraising. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society uses lime green lighting and merchandise for its Light the Night campaigns. Lime green represents the fresh starts and renewed hope for lymphoma patients.
Pearl
Pearl or off-white is the color associated with lung cancer causes. Lung cancer groups promote pearl ribbons and bracelets to raise awareness about lung cancer risks, especially the connection to smoking and radon exposure.
Plum
Plum or lavender represents all digestive or gastrointestinal cancers, including stomach, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. Groups like the Colon Cancer Alliance distribute plum ribbons and wristbands to promote screening and early detection.
Scarlet
Scarlet is connected to AIDS and HIV awareness. Groups like (RED) and the National Pediatric AIDS Network use scarlet accessories and clothing to raise money for HIV/AIDS prevention, education, treatment, and to eliminate stigma.
Jade
Jade represents lung, liver, skin and childhood cancers in some awareness campaigns. Jade ribbons bring awareness to liver cancer risks like hepatitis and alcoholism. Jade is also used by skin cancer groups to promote sun safety and skin checks.
Gray
Gray can represent brain cancer as well as lung cancer awareness. Groups like the National Brain Tumor Society use gray ribbons to promote new treatments and funding for brain cancer and tumor research.
Peach
Peach is the color for uterine cancer groups and events. Peach promotes education about the signs, symptoms, risks and treatment of uterine and endometrial cancers.
Turquoise
Turquoise or teal represents gallbladder and hepatobiliary cancer awareness. These light blue-green ribbons and promotional materials bring attention to the risks and symptoms of gallbladder and bile duct cancers.
Conclusion
In summary, different cancer types have adopted different representative colors for their awareness and fundraising campaigns. While cancer does not have one universal color, the strategic use of color by cancer organizations and events has helped promote education, research, early detection and treatment support across all cancer types.
| Cancer Type | Awareness Color |
|---|---|
| Breast Cancer | Pink |
| Leukemia | Orange |
| Prostate Cancer | Blue |
| Pancreatic Cancer | Purple |
| Ovarian Cancer | Teal |
| Lymphoma | Lime Green |
| Lung Cancer | Pearl |
| Colorectal Cancer | Plum |
| HIV/AIDS | Scarlet |
| Uterine Cancer | Peach |
