2025 Cancer Ribbon Colors Guide: Meaning, Awareness Months & How to Support

Cancer ribbons are powerful symbols worn on lapels, printed on apparel, and displayed on stickers to express solidarity with those battling cancer. Each distinct ribbon color represents a specific type of cancer, helping to raise awareness and promote understanding worldwide.

Below is a comprehensive guide to 28 of the most recognized cancer ribbon colors, their associated cancers, awareness months, and ways you can contribute to spreading awareness and supporting affected individuals.

Appendix Cancer

Ribbon Color: Amber

Appendix cancer is a rare diagnosis, occurring in approximately one in 500,000 people annually worldwide. It typically affects individuals in their 40s and 50s, impacting men and women equally. This cancer originates from the cells lining the appendix, with several subtypes identified.

Bladder Cancer

Ribbon Colors: Blue, Marigold, Purple
Awareness Month: May

Bladder cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among men, representing about 5% of new cancer cases in the U.S. Risk increases with age, and smokers are twice as likely to develop it compared to nonsmokers. The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) organizes the annual AmpUp! walks every May to raise awareness and support.

Brain Tumor

Ribbon Color: Grey
Awareness Month: May

May marks Brain Tumor Awareness Month, featuring nationwide walks and fundraisers. Over 688,000 Americans live with brain tumors, which can be benign or malignant but significantly affect quality of life. The American Brain Tumor Association offers resources and support for patients and families.

Breast Cancer

Ribbon Color: Pink
Awareness Month: October

Pink ribbons are globally recognized symbols for breast cancer awareness, especially during October. Organizations such as Susan G. Komen and the National Breast Cancer Foundation host events year-round. Approximately 12% of U.S. women will face breast cancer in their lifetime, though survival rates continue to improve due to advances in detection and treatment.

Carcinoid Cancer

Ribbon Color: Zebra Print
Awareness Month: November

Carcinoid cancer affects over 12,000 Americans annually. These slow-growing tumors primarily arise in the endocrine system but can develop throughout the body. Despite their potential severity, many patients live for years with proper management. November is dedicated to raising awareness about this lesser-known cancer.

Cervical Cancer

Ribbon Colors: Teal and White
Awareness Month: January

Each year, nearly 13,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer, largely linked to HPV infection. Regular screenings are vital for early detection. January campaigns by the National Cervical Cancer Coalition and other groups focus on prevention, screening, and HPV vaccination.

Childhood Cancer

Ribbon Color: Gold
Awareness Month: September

Approximately 16,000 young people under 21 are diagnosed with cancer annually in the U.S., with a survival rate of about 75%. Common types include acute lymphocytic leukemia and neuroblastoma. September is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting all childhood cancer types.

Colon Cancer

Ribbon Color: Blue
Awareness Month: March

Colon cancer affects 1 in 20 people. Screening for polyps is crucial since early-stage detection yields a 90% five-year survival rate, compared to 12% for late-stage. March features Colon Cancer Awareness initiatives, including National Dress in Blue Day on March 3.

Endometrial Cancer

Ribbon Color: Peach
Awareness Month: September

Endometrial cancer diagnoses reach about 61,380 annually in the U.S., mostly in women around age 60. September’s Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month highlights this disease, with organizations like the Mary Kay Foundation advocating for research and patient support.

Esophageal Cancer

Ribbon Color: Periwinkle
Awareness Month: April

More prevalent in men, esophageal cancer sees about 16,000 new cases yearly in the U.S. Awareness efforts in April encourage wearing the periwinkle ribbon and planting the flower to symbolize hope.

Gallbladder Cancer

Ribbon Color: Green
Awareness Month: February

Gallbladder cancer affects approximately 4,000 people annually in the U.S. It’s often diagnosed late, with only 20% detected early. Early detection is critical for improving outcomes.

Head and Neck Cancer

Ribbon Colors: Burgundy and Ivory
Awareness Week: April 2–9, 2024

The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance promotes awareness through free screenings and education during this week. These cancers affect the mouth, throat, voice box, sinuses, nose, and salivary glands, comprising about 3% of U.S. cancers.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Ribbon Color: Violet
Awareness Month: September

Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a lymphatic system cancer, impacts roughly 8,500 people annually. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society leads major awareness and fundraising campaigns.

Kidney Cancer

Ribbon Color: Orange
Awareness Month: March

About 50,000 Americans are diagnosed yearly with kidney cancer. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, and genetic conditions like von Hippel-Lindau disease. Early symptoms include blood in urine and abdominal pain.

Leiomyosarcoma

Ribbon Color: Purple
Awareness Day: July 15

This rare soft tissue cancer affects smooth muscle cells in organs such as the uterus and stomach. Due to its aggressive nature, organizations like the Leiomyosarcoma Direct Research Foundation raise awareness and funds, especially on July 15.

Leukemia

Ribbon Color: Orange
Awareness Month: September

Leukemia represents 35% of blood cancer diagnoses in the U.S. Awareness and support campaigns are led by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Liver Cancer

Ribbon Color: Emerald
Awareness Month: October

Liver cancer is aggressive, with about 39,000 new U.S. cases annually and a 17.5% five-year survival rate. The American Liver Foundation and Blue Faery raise funds for research and patient support.

Lung Cancer

Ribbon Color: White
Awareness Month: November

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women, surpassing breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined. While smoking is a major risk factor, nonsmokers can also be affected. Organizations like Lungevity Foundation provide support year-round.

Melanoma and Skin Cancer

Ribbon Color: Black
Awareness Month: May

Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the U.S., with melanoma being the deadliest form. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, featuring Melanoma Monday. Groups such as the Skin Cancer Foundation offer screenings and education.

Multiple Myeloma

Ribbon Color: Burgundy
Awareness Month: March

Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer, with over 30,000 new cases yearly. March is Myeloma Awareness Month, supported by the International Myeloma Foundation and others.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Ribbon Color: Lime Green
Awareness Month: September

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a common blood cancer with significant impact. Awareness campaigns focus on education, early detection, and support.

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