Cancer is a disease that is associated with fear, anxiety, pain and chemotherapy. A disease that has different types. But the question is, can one color be considered for each type of cancer?
In fact, each type of cancer has a symbol. Cancer symbols are simple ribbons in a specific color. Many people use these ribbons to show their support for people with cancer as well as to raise awareness about the disease.
In this article, we will get acquainted with all the different colors of cancer ribbons and get more complete information about them. Do you want to accompany me?
Types of cancer ribbon colors
There are a total of 26 types of colored ribbons as symbols for cancers, which you can see below:
Head and neck cancer: White and burgundy or red or ivory
This type of cancer affects different parts such as the mouth, salivary glands, throat, larynx, nasal cavity and sinuses. The most common trigger for this cancer is tobacco and alcohol consumption. In addition, men are three times more likely to get this cancer than women. April is the month of awareness of this cancer.
Multiple myeloma: Burgundy
This type of cancer attacks the plasma cells and causes a tumor in the bone marrow. Most people over the age of 65, especially black men, get this cancer. Of course, obesity and family history are also factors that cause this disease. The month of awareness is also March.
Leukemia: Orange
This cancer is, in fact, a type of blood cancer. In this type, the disease starts in the bone marrow. Since 1960, the 5-year survival rate of this cancer has quadrupled. This good event can be the result of progress in the pharmaceutical industry and mass awareness. Also, the orange ribbon of this cancer is common with kidney cancer. September is Leukemia Cancer Awareness Month.
Kidney cancer: Orange
Kidney cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers among people. In this cancer, men are more infected than women and it is also more common in the elderly. Obesity, tobacco use, smoking and exposure to the metal cadmium are some of the causes of this cancer. March is Kidney Awareness Month.
Breast cancer: Pink
The most common cancer among women is breast cancer. The pink ribbon, which is a symbol of this cancer, is one of the most well-known ribbons. The choice of this color is also due to the fact that breast cancer is related to women, because pink is a symbol of femininity. Women over the age of 55 and those with a genetic history of cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease. October is the month of awareness of this cancer.
Uterine or endometrial cancer: Peach
This cancer is also specific to women, especially women over the age of 60 who are in their menopause. Annual examinations and preventive screenings can help diagnose this cancer quickly. September is the month of awareness of this cancer.
Appendix cancer: Amber
Appendicitis is one of the rarest cancers. According to one study, only about 1.2 cases of appendix cancer are seen per 100,000 people in the United States. To date, no specific awareness has been provided for this moon cancer.
Childhood cancer: Gold
Childhood cancer is all the cancers that occur in childhood. Its symbol is also a golden ribbon. September is the month of awareness of this cancer.
Sarcoma or bone cancer: Yellow
There are several types of cancer. This cancer affects the bone, cartilage and myofascial tissue. July is the month of bone cancer awareness.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Lime green
This cancer affects the lymphatic system. Also, this cancer is usually grouped with leukemia because they both affect the blood. And, this cancer is more common in older adults. Exposure to decongestants, radiation and some viruses can also cause this cancer. September is the month of awareness of this cancer.
Hodgkin lymphoma: Violet
This type of cancer is a type of blood cancer in which the disease starts in the lymph nodes. The good news is that this cancer is one of the most treatable cancers of all types. The risk of developing this cancer is higher in adolescents and young adults. September is the month of awareness of this cancer.
Liver cancer: Emerald green
Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers. According to one report, 30,000 people are diagnosed with this cancer each year. It is also more common in men than women. Factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking and diabetes also cause the disease. The month of awareness is also October.
Ovarian cancer: Teal
This cancer is a high-risk cancer among women. Cancer is reported to be the fifth leading cause of death among women aged 35 to 75. At least one in 75 women will develop this cancer. Most of these cancers are found in white women and are usually after menopause. The month of awareness of this cancer is September. In addition, May 8 is World Ovarian Cancer Day. All of this highlights the importance of this cancer.
Cervical cancer: White and teal
Cervical cancer was one of the most common cancers in women. But thanks to preventive screenings and regular Pap smears, women are less likely to get cancer, and the incidence is reduced by up to 70 percent. Hispanic women and black women are slightly more at risk than other races. Also, using multiple methods of hormonal contraception for more than 5 years and multiple sexual partners increases the risk. January is the month of awareness of this cancer.
Testicular cancer: Light purple
The most common cancer among men aged 15 to 45 is testicular cancer. This cancer affects the genitals of sperm and testosterone production in men. Having an abnormality and family history is effective in the emergence of this disease. April is the month of awareness of this cancer.
Pancreatic cancer: Purple
It is very difficult to diagnose this cancer in the early stages, because there is still no proper screening test for it. The symbol of pancreatic cancer is a purple ribbon. Choosing this color is a tribute and love of a woman to her mother.
In fact, a woman named Rose Schneider died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Her daughter could not receive formal help and support to help her mother. So after her mother died, she set up a network for pancreatic cancer treatment called PanCan to support other people with pancreatic cancer. Also, the purple ribbon was chosen because of Rose’s interest in this color. November is a month to be aware of this cancer.
All cancers: Lavender
The color of lavender is a symbol for all types of cancer. Sometimes people use a rainbow ribbon to show the types of cancers, support and awareness of cancer, and sometimes a lavender ribbon. World Cancer Day, as well as National Cancer Prevention Month, is celebrated in February each year.
Skin cancer: Black
Skin cancer is reported to be one of the most common types of cancer. In the United States, one person dies of cancer every hour. The most deadly form of this type of cancer is melanoma. Of course, preventive screening will help a lot in the rapid diagnosis of the disease. This cancer occurs in different areas such as the scalp, nail bed and eyes and even the skin itself. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can be one of the causes of this disease. Also, people with fair skin, hair and eyes have a higher risk of getting it. May is the month of awareness for this cancer.
Carcinoid cancer: Zebra print
This type of cancer is one of the least known cancers. This cancer grows very slowly in the small intestine or bronchial system in the lungs. Because of this, many people do not show any symptoms for a long time.
The choice of zebra print for the symbol of this cancer is based on a philosophical recommendation that is exchanged among doctors. “If you hear a hoof, think of a horse, not a zebra.” the advice says. This means that if we are experiencing the symptoms of a common disease, we should think of the same common diseases, not rare diseases such as carcinoid cancer! November is the month of awareness of this cancer.
Brain cancer: Gray
Brain cancer affects the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system. The symbol of brain cancer is the gray ribbon. The reason for choosing this color is probably due to the gray matter of the human brain. There are reportedly 688,000 people living with brain tumors in the United States, about 37% of whom are cancerous and mostly benign. Cancer Awareness Month is May.
Lung cancer: White or pearl
About 27% of cancer deaths are due to lung cancer. So it can be said that this cancer is largely the main cause of death. People over the age of 65 have a higher risk of developing this cancer. Exposure to pollutants such as asbestos and excessive smoking are other risk factors. November is the month of awareness for this cancer.
Bladder cancer: Blue, yellow and purple
Bladder cancer also accounts for 5% of all cancers. Also, men over the age of 50 are more likely to get this cancer than women. Moreover, smokers and those with a family history of the disease are at risk for bladder cancer. May is the month of bladder cancer awareness.
Thyroid cancer: Blue, pink and teal
Thyroid cancer is also one of the most common cancers. The thyroid is a gland that controls hormones and many of the body’s basic functions. Women are three times more likely to get this cancer than men. Exposure to certain environmental toxins, radiation, and family history are other factors. September is the month to raise awareness of this cancer.
Prostate cancer: Light blue
Prostate cancer is also common among men. One in nine men in the United States is reported to have cancer. However, if men over the age of 50 undergo regular screening, early diagnosis and prevention of the disease will help. September is the month of awareness of this common cancer among men.
Colon cancer: Dark blue
This cancer, as its name implies, affects the large intestine. This means that people with diseases of the large intestine, such as Crohn’s and colitis, have a higher risk of developing the disease. But various screenings and tests can help diagnose the cancer quickly, so that doctors can treat it early and increase survival by up to 90 percent. March is the month of awareness of this cancer.
Stomach cancer: Periwinkle blue
Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the world. But it still receives little attention. November is the month of awareness of this high-risk cancer.
Color palette inspiration of cancer ribbon colors
In this section, several color palettes are placed to inspire you with them. You can use them for your next designs. For more color palettes, refer to Dopely color palette!
The last word
If you or a loved one has cancer, or just want to raise awareness about cancer, wearing a colored ribbon can be your first step in helping raise awareness and support your loved ones. Even so, owning one is still beyond the reach of the average person. You can also help raise money to treat some patients. Have you ever done that? Are you going to do that?
