Cancer awareness is important. Each type of cancer has a color assigned to it to help in the cause, supporting those facing a cancer diagnosis. Each color represents a different type of cancer, and these colors are often embodied in ribbons that people wear.
But what do these colors mean? Why does breast cancer have pink and dark blue to represent colon cancer awareness?
6 Cancer Awareness Colors
1. Breast Cancer Awareness: Pink
Originally, peach represented breast cancer, started by Charlotte Haley, who was advocating for increased funding in breast cancer research in the early 1990s. As part of her work, Haley distributed peach ribbons attached to cards that called for greater public awareness and funding for breast cancer research.
It shifted to pink with a campaign run in Self magazine in partnership with Estee Lauder who ran a breast cancer awareness campaign. They would use the previously popular peach ribbon but could not use it due to legal issues. Instead, they opted for a different color – pink. This choice was also influenced by the desire to create a visually soft and feminine symbol that would resonate with the magazine’s readership and the broader public.
From there, the pink cancer awareness ribbon quickly became a universal symbol due to the efforts of the Estee Lauder campaign. Other organizations swiftly adopted it, and it’s still being used.
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2. Colon Cancer Awareness: Dark Blue
Dark blue is typically associated with depth, stability and trust. These qualities can be symbolically significant in raising awareness and support for colon cancer. It encourages a sense of solidarity and trust in medical research and supports communities dedicated to fighting this disease.
Since adopting dark blue, it has helped rally support, funding for research and public education efforts to reduce the impact of color cancer with early detection and effective treatment.
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3. Ovarian Cancer Awareness: Teal
The teal ribbon found its association with ovarian cancer awareness in the early 1990s, following the popularization of the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon. Advocacy groups sought to identify a unique color representing ovarian cancer awareness and support.
Teal became the choice due to its distinctiveness and the qualities it symbolizes. Teal symbolizes a sense of calm and renewal qualities particularly meaningful for women facing ovarian cancer. The teal ribbon is a beacon of hope and a call to action, encouraging education about the symptoms of ovarian cancer, promoting early detection and supporting research.
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4. Lung Cancer Awareness: White
White was chosen to represent lung cancer awareness due to the symbolism typically associated with the color. The choice of white aims to embody the universal themes of hope and the fight for a cure, reflecting the critical nature of the disease and the collective aspiration for healing and triumph over it.
Using white to symbolize lung cancer awareness, more attention has been brought to the disease, increased advocating for research funding and an easier way to show support.
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5. Prostate Cancer Awareness: Light Blue
The association of light blue with prostate cancer awareness doesn’t have a single, well-documented origin story as some other cancer awareness ribbons do. However, light blue representing prostate cancer awareness is profoundly symbolic and has been widely adopted by various health organizations and advocacy groups worldwide.
Light blue was chosen for its calm and reassuring qualities and its traditional association with masculinity.
Since it was adopted, it’s helped encourage visibility for prostate cancer, increasing education, screening and overall support.
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6. General Cancer Awareness: Lavender
In addition to the colors attached to individual types of cancer awareness, a color was selected to represent all cancers. That color is lavender.
Starting in the late 1990s, the lavender ribbon slowly began to gain prominence in association with cancer due to the advocacy of various groups.
Chosen for being a mix of pink and blue, it was thought to be a comprehensive emblem, signifying awareness and support for all cancers. Additionally, it offers symbolism that is significant to the fight against cancer.
Lavender symbolizes unity and inclusivity. Since the popularization of the lavender ribbon, it’s helped to serve as a reminder of the need of cancer education, research and support. It’s also encouraged solidarity among survivors, patients and caregivers, reminding everyone that no one in the fight against cancer is alone.
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How Can You Support Your Loved Ones Fighting Cancer
Supporting a loved one fighting cancer involves both emotional and practical assistance. The best thing you can do for them is to be there for them, listen to them actively and take in what they’re saying. Offer practical help by assisting with daily tasks like cleaning, transportation and childcare.
Additionally, try to maintain a level of normalcy. With a cancer diagnosis, so much in a person’s life changes. It helps when they are treated with normalcy and dignity. Continue shared activities as much as possible.
Finally, it’s essential to stay informed and current on what they’re going through. Learn more about the type of cancer and the treatment they are going through. This will help you better understand what they’re going through and know how to be there for them.
Showing Your Support
Another great way to show support for your loved one is by helping to raise awareness. Show support by embracing the associated cancer awareness color. With t-shirts, hats, bags and more, you can show yourself in for the fight alongside your loved one. Choose Hopes offers an extensive collection of these products, with some designed for every type of cancer.