World Cancer Day: What do the ribbon colors mean?
According to the American Cancer Society¹, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. This statistic is one of the reasons why each year, people around the world come together to celebrate World Cancer Day. This day focuses on spreading awareness, educating others and increasing understanding of cancer risks, prevention, detection and treatment.
At HAP, we’re committed to building a community where everyone receives the best care in the fight against cancer. We believe regular health check-ups, such as your annual wellness visits and preventive screenings, can make a significant difference in your overall wellness. If you’re due for a screening or checkup, now is a great time to book one. Preventive screenings are important because the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be, potentially leading to better outcomes and increased survival rates.
What do cancer ribbon colors mean?
The cancer ribbons honor those affected and help promote cancer research. The American Cancer Society¹, says the tradition started in 1979, with the pink ribbon becoming the official symbol for breast cancer awareness in 1991. Now, ribbons represent many different types of cancer. This World Cancer Day, let’s raise awareness and take charge of our health and stand together in the fight against cancer.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common cancers, ribbon colors and screenings we recommend getting:
Cervical Cancer screening
- Awareness Ribbon: Teal & white
- Recommended Screening: Pap test every 3 years for women aged 21 to 29. For women aged 30 to 65, either continue with a Pap test every 3 years, opt for an HPV test every 5 years or choose co-testing (Pap test and HPV test) every 5 years.
- Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine to protect you or those you love
Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Awareness Ribbon: Blue
- Recommended Screening: Multiple testing options are available, including stool tests, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Adults aged 45 to 75 should undergo regular screenings; the specific method and frequency should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Lung Cancer screening
- Awareness Ribbon: White
- Recommended Screening: Annual low-dose CT scan for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
Breast Cancer screening
- Awareness Ribbon: Pink
- Recommended Screening: Mammograms every 2 years for women aged 40 to 74.
Prostate Cancer screening
- Awareness Ribbon: Light blue
- Recommended Screening: Men aged 55 to 69 should make an individual decision about prostate-specific antigen (PSA) – based screening after discussing the potential benefits and harms with their healthcare provider.
Along with cancer screenings, ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent certain cancers including cervical and oral cancers. HPV causes about 36,000 cancer cases annually in the U.S. The vaccine is most effective before exposure, with two doses recommended at ages 11–12 but can start as early as 9. Adults 27–45 may consider vaccination after consulting their doctor.
Show Your Support & Take Action
If you’re behind on cancer screenings, it’s never too late to take action. For more information on screenings go to HAP.org. Schedule an appointment with your doctor today to stay proactive about your health. If you're a HAP member and need help finding a doctor or choosing a new one, use our Find a Doctor Tool. We're here to support you every step of the way.
References
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Statistics.
- Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). World Cancer Day.
- HPV Vaccination | HPV | CDC