Different Cancer Bracelets

Though the cancer bracelet idea started in 2004 with a single yellow wristband, there are so many different colors of cancer bracelets out there, of varying costs and for various causes, that it can be difficult to figure them out. Other organizations that are not affiliated with cancer have also adopted the trend, but this article will focus on the cancer bracelets.

History

• The cancer bracelet craze started in May 2004 when Nike and the Lance Armstrong Foundation came out with their yellow LiveStrong bracelets to raise money for cancer research and cancer awareness. They chose the color yellow because it is the color of the jersey worn by the leader of the Tour de France. Though their initial goal was to raise $25 million by selling the bracelets for $1 each, since their inception the bracelets have raised more than $70 million. The bracelet was worn by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric and John Kerry, and the popularity of the bracelets inspired other cancer organizations and other causes to adopt the idea as well.

Why Bracelets?

• Bracelets are immediately visible to others, easy to sell for a minimal price, and inexpensive to manufacture. They can be used for numerous purposes, like to show admission has been paid or a donation has been made, or for identification with a cause. They can be taken off when not needed, and can be worn by men, women and children.

Identification

• Each cancer has a color associated with it for cancer awareness, and this color is used on ribbons and bracelets to raise awareness for the cancer. Here is a list of various cancers and their corresponding colors. The bracelets are usually made of silicone or rubber.

  Melanoma: black
  Multiple Myeloma: burgundy
  Head and Neck Cancer: burgundy and ivory
  Colon Cancer: dark blue
  Liver Cancer: emerald green
  Childhood Cancers: gold
  Brain Cancer: gray
  General Cancer Awareness: lavender
  Prostate Cancer: light blue
  Lymphoma: lime green
  Kidney Cancer: orange
  Leukemia: orange
  Testicular Cancer: orchid
  Uterine Cancer: peach
  Lung Cancer: pearl/clear
  Esophageal Cancer: periwinkle blue
  Stomach Cancer: periwinkle
  Breast Cancer: pink
  Leiomyosarcoma: purple
  Pancreatic Cancer: purple
  Ovarian Cancer: teal
  Bladder Cancer: yellow
  Cervical Cancer: teal and white
  Thyroid Cancer: teal/pink/blue
  Sarcoma/Bone Cancer: yellow
  Caregivers: plum

Organizations

• Along with bracelets for individual cancers, organizations dealing with cancer also have bracelets to raise awareness. Sometimes there is a charge for the bracelets, other times they are given away for free. Organizations that have used wristbands include Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with pink bracelets; The Ovarian Cancer Institute with their teal bracelets; and i2y, an organization for adolescents and young adults with cancer, having bracelets that say "Stupid Cancer."

Non-Cancer Bracelets

• Due to the popularity of the cancer bracelets, non-cancer organizations and other causes have adopted bracelets with the color of their choosing. These causes include autism, world hunger, child abuse and domestic violence. Colleges and universities have also sold rubber bracelets in school colors to wear on game days or to raise school spirit. None of these bracelets have managed to match the widespread recognition that the yellow LiveStrong bracelet has had.