Cancer Ribbon Colors, Meanings, and Months

Cancer ribbons are used to raise awareness about specific cancers such as lung, breast, and prostate cancers. People wear these ribbons to show support for those facing a specific cancer diagnosis, often during months dedicated to advocacy and awareness.

The well-known breast cancer ribbon is pink, with high visibility and support from celebrity campaigners and sports teams wearing pink jerseys. Purple is common for pancreatic cancer but others in the United States are less common, like the teal ribbon for ovarian cancer. In fact, there are more than 50 cancer ribbons that represent individual cancers as well as related issues.

1. Breast Cancer Ribbon: Pink (October) 

The pink ribbon, today so quickly identified as a symbol in the fight against breast cancer, was first introduced during the 1990s as part of the Susan G. Komen New York City Race for the Cure.

Breast cancer survivors often don the ribbon or iterations on t-shirts, hats, bumper stickers, and even tattoos. Healthcare professionals and those working for a cure and awareness also use the ribbon to encourage screening for the disease.

The second most common cancer after skin cancer, breast cancer is diagnosed in more than 313,000 people each year. Thanks to early detection and better treatments, survival rates are improving.

2. Prostate Cancer Ribbon: Light Blue (September)

About 15% of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States are for prostate cancer. However, this type of cancer is less visible than some other types. Some studies suggest males are less likely to discuss their diagnosis with others, and only about half were comfortable talking about urinary or genital issues with their healthcare providers.

The light blue ribbon was designed to bring attention to prostate cancer, a disease that can often be successfully treated and has a five-year survival rate of more than 99% if detected early.

3. Lung Cancer Ribbon: Pearl or White (November)

A pearl or white ribbon is a sign of hope for those fighting lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Ribbons as well as other items, such as pearl jewelry or white clothing, are sometimes used to build awareness of lung cancer and support the work to find a cure.

While lung cancer is associated with smoking, more than half of the people diagnosed with lung cancer are former smokers or people who have never smoked. Campaigners stress the need for equitable care, including access to lung cancer screening and treatment in Black communities.

4. Colon Cancer: Dark Blue (March)

Colon cancer, often referred to as colorectal cancer, ranks third among common cancer diagnoses in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The prognosis is optimistic when diagnosed in early stages, but some of the gains in fighting colon cancer have been lost to a trend of cases in younger people detected at more advanced stages.

The dark blue ribbon that represents colon cancer awareness is often used to encourage regular screening, beginning at age 45, among those who have no symptoms. A colonoscopy is often recommended to identify polyps and remove them before they turn into cancer. At-home tests also are available for low-risk individuals.

5. Pancreatic Cancer: Purple (November)

While pancreatic cancer accounts for just 3.3% of all new cancer cases, it ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. This is because it is often not diagnosed until the disease is fairly advanced.

Pancreatic cancer awareness, including wearing purple ribbons, consists of encouraging those at risk to be screened. If you have a family history or certain genetic disorders, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk and genetic testing for pancreatic cancer.

6. Ovarian Cancer: Teal (September)

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among females worldwide. You're most at risk if you're postmenopausal although genetic factors, fertility problems, and endometriosis also seem to increase the chances of developing ovarian cancer.

Because this cancer may not present with any symptoms in the early stages, the best way to ensure an early diagnosis is to get regular pelvic exams. Diagnosis can also be achieved through transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests.

The use of teal ribbons and special events each September brings awareness to the need for these regular check-ups and to support those who have been diagnosed.

7. Skin Cancer: Black (May)

The most prevalent cancer in the United States, skin cancer affects an estimated 3.3 million people. A black ribbon represents awareness for all types of skin cancer, but some subtypes use their own colors.

 There are three main types: 

• Melanoma, which is represented by a black ribbon as well
• Squamous cell carcinoma, which uses a red and white ribbon
• Basal cell carcinoma, which uses an orange ribbon
  

8. Brain Cancer: Gray (May)

There are two types of brain cancer: One originates in the brain and the other has metastasized (spread) to the brain from another part of the body. There is a wide variety of types of tumors that can develop in the brain, and they are the leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths in children.

The type of tumor, location, and whether or not it originated in the brain determines how it is treated. Gray ribbons are worn to show support for survivors and those who have brain cancer. Fundraisers and awareness events are often held in May.

How Many Cancer Ribbon Colors Are There?

There are 57 common cancer ribbon colors. While some cancer ribbons are well-known, others are often only worn by a select group of supporters. However, there is a great need to draw attention to all types of cancers. Here is a directory of the different ribbon colors used to promote awareness for different diagnoses and the months traditionally set aside for those groups.

Other Cancer Ribbons

Some advocates work to build awareness of cancer in general. To call attention to cancer as a whole, some people wear a light purple or lavender ribbon. A similar color is also sometimes used to represent esophageal cancer and cancer survivors, though.

Thus, there is some crossover of colors and ribbons. Another way that some people represent all types of cancers is by combining many different ribbons in a multicolored display.

Alternatives include:

• A black-and-white zebra print ribbon for rare cancers, such as neuroendocrine cancers. The zebra print ribbon is drawn from a saying about not expecting zebras when you hear a horse's hoofbeats. It's meant to draw attention to the fact that some people experience diseases that don't receive the attention or research funding as other types.
• Advocacy ribbons for various campaigns, such as turquoise (rather than white) used in an American Lung Association initiative for lung cancer, or a tricolor green, pink, and teal ribbon used by the breast cancer advocacy group METAvivor
  

Summary

Colored ribbons are used to show support and raise awareness for specific types of cancers, all cancers, or issues related to cancer such as caregivers. Colored ribbons are often worn during certain months designated to the specific types of cancer. Advocacy groups have also created ribbons in an effort to encourage people to join their cause.