Cancer ribbons are used to raise awareness about specific cancers (or even all cancers) and show support for those facing them. There are more than 50 cancer ribbons that represent individual cancers and other related issues, like cancer caregivers and bone marrow transplants.

Some well-known cancer ribbons include the pink ribbon for breast cancer and the purple ribbon for pancreatic cancer.

This article lists cancer ribbon colors, the cancers they are meant to represent, and associated awareness months.

Ribbons for All Cancers

A light purple or lavender ribbon is used to represent esophageal cancer and cancer survivors, as noted above, but it is also often used to represent cancers as a whole.

Sometimes, many different ribbons are combined together to represent all cancers.

Zebra-Print Ribbons

Uncommon or rare cancers may be represented by a black-and-white zebra print ribbon.

The choice of the zebra print comes from a common saying in medicine: When you hear hoofbeats behind you, don’t expect to see a zebra. In other words, the most likely diagnosis is usually the right one.

However, that is not always the case. The zebra print ribbon is meant to draw attention to the fact that something that appears to be one thing could very well be something far less likely.

“Zebra” cancers are rare. But when you add occurrences of all of them together, they are actually quite common.

Cancer Ribbon Differences

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.

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is cancer awareness month?
  • Each type of cancer has a certain month dedicated to raising awareness of it. For example, breast cancer awareness month is in October.
  • What color is the ribbon for lung cancer?
  • The ribbon for lung cancer is pearl, clear, or white. You may see people wearing this ribbon in November, the cause’s awareness month.
  • What does the black ribbon mean for cancer?
  • A black ribbon is used to signify melanoma and skin cancer. However, ribbons that are black and white (zebra print) represent uncommon or rare diseases and cancers.

Each type of cancer has a certain month dedicated to raising awareness of it. For example, breast cancer awareness month is in October.

The ribbon for lung cancer is pearl, clear, or white. You may see people wearing this ribbon in November, the cause’s awareness month.

A black ribbon is used to signify melanoma and skin cancer. However, ribbons that are black and white (zebra print) represent uncommon or rare diseases and cancers.

  • American Association for Cancer Research. Cancer awareness months.

  • Choose Hope. Cancer Color or Type.

  • Choose Hope. Calendar of Cancer Awareness Months.

By Lynne Eldridge, MD

 Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of “Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time.”