Colors and Months for Cancer Ribbons

Cancer ribbons are a great way to raise awareness, but sometimes people aren't sure what a specific color of ribbon is for. There are a lot of them!

If you wish to know more about the cancer ribbon colors, here’s a handy chart that lists the cancer types and some of the awareness months associated with them.

Colors and Months for Cancer-Related Ribbons

A light purple or lavender ribbon often is used to represent all cancers as a whole. Sometimes, many different ribbons are combined together to represent all cancers.

Uncommon or rare cancers may be represented by a black-and-white zebra print ribbon. The zebra stands for a common saying in medicine: "When you hear hoofbeats, look for horses, not zebras." In a field of horses, you are most likely to see horses, but occasionally, you will spot a zebra.

Some who live with cancer realize that "zebras" (rare cancers) occur as well, and when you add all of these rare cancers together, they are actually quite common.

It's important to note that a specific cancer may be represented by more than one ribbon color and that this can vary depending on where you live. Some ribbon colors also represent specific nonprofit groups who advocate for a particular type of cancer. For example, a white or pearl ribbon is used to represent lung cancer, but turquoise is the color of an American Lung Association initiative.

In addition, there are months dedicated to certain types of cancer. June is National Cancer Survivor Month, for example, with others seen in the list below.

A Word From Verywell

If you or a loved one has cancer, or you simply want to raise awareness for cancer (or all cancers), wearing a colored ribbon can be your first step. Your support for cancer education and compassion will not go unnoticed.