Pink:

Represents Breast Cancer. The pink ribbon is perhaps the most well-known cancer awareness ribbon. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women. Around 300,000 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed annually in the USA, half of which are treated before the cancer spreads to other body parts. Know the symptoms, and be sure to get mammograms as your physician prescribes. 

Orange:

Represents Leukemia, a cancer of the blood, including bone marrow. Leukemia has many forms: lymphoid, myeloid, chronic, and acute. Acute Leukemia is also the most common form of cancer in children. 

Burgundy:

Represents Multiple Myeloma. This is cancer related to the white blood cells, called plasma cells. White blood cells fight infections and make antibodies in a healthy person. Multiple Myeloma’s cancerous cells build in the bone marrow, preventing healthy blood cells from manufacturing these antibodies.

Purple:

Represents Pancreatic Cancer. This is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Pancreatic cancer can be challenging to diagnose early. Surgery is typically the only treatment and is an option for only around 20% of all cases. 

Blue:

Represents Colon Cancer. This is the third most common cancer in both men and women. Typically, colon cancer begins as a polyp or cluster of cells in the colon. Over time, these clumps can become cancerous. It is important to note that several types of colon cancer tests are available, some non-invasive. In the USA, it is recommended to begin screening at age 45.

Light Blue:

Represents Prostate Cancer. Besides Skin Cancer, Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men. Most men do not realize that in the United States, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with Prostate cancer in their lifetime. 

The light blue color also represents Stomach Cancer or Gastric Cancer. There are many risk factors for developing this type of cancer, including smoking and having a diet high in processed foods. Stomach cancer begins in the cells lining the stomach. 

Yellow:

Represents Childhood (Pediatric) Cancer. This color signifies cancer in children under 18 and their caregivers. According to Cancer.gov, “Among children (ages 0 to 14 years), the most common types of cancer are leukemias, followed by brain and other CNS tumors, lymphomas, neuroblastoma, kidney tumors, and malignant bone tumors.”

Represents Bone Cancer. It is also possible to wear a white ribbon to support Bone Cancer causes.

Red:

Represents AIDS/HIV While not specifically a cancer ribbon, the red ribbon is often used to show support for those affected by AIDS/HIV. This includes those who have contracted the disease and those who are working to raise awareness and find a cure.

Green:

Represents Kidney Cancer. This is a rare but deadly disease, with an average age of diagnosis being between 65 and 74. This type of cancer is twice as common in men than in women, according to Cancer.org. 

Gold:

Represents Childhood Cancer (Alternative to yellow). In addition to yellow many people wear gold to support our youngest afflicted by cancer. Wearing the color gold on your ribbon is a little different than wearing other colors. Gold is a symbol to represent all forms of Childhood Cancer in children and adolescents. It is important to note that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Grey:

Represents Brain Cancer. This cancer is one of the most challenging forms to treat. Brain cancer occurs in 4 stages. In stages 1 and 2, these are tumors that are still non-cancerous. In stages 3 and 4, these tumors grow quickly, becoming cancerous and challenging to treat. 

Teal:

Represents Ovarian Cancer. This is the fifth most deadly cancer among women. This cancer may develop in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, Ovarian cancer can go undetected for many years. If not diagnosed, it can spread to the pelvis and abdomen.

Black:

Represents Melanoma Skin Cancer. It is when the pigment-producing cells that color the skin become cancerous. Dermatologists scan skin for new or unusual growths or changes in moles everywhere on the body. There are several treatment options, such as surgery, radiation, medications, or even chemotherapy.

White:

Represents Lung Cancer. Lung cancer cells begin to mutate in the lungs but can quickly spread into the lymph nodes or other body organs. It is also possible that cancer can begin in other organs and spread to the lungs. Lung Cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. According to Merckmanuals.com, 85% of all cases of lung cancer are related to cigarette smoking.

Lavender:

Represents all forms of cancer. Wear this color to support researchers, medical professionals, and all people affected by cancer and their families. We have also seen many people choose to wear a rainbow of ribbons to symbolize general support for cancer awareness.