About Cancer Awareness Ribbons

Cancer awareness ribbons have become very popular since 1991, when the Susan G. Komen Foundation first introduced the Pink Ribbon Campaign in support of breast cancer research. In addition to the pink ribbon, there are ribbons for many different types of cancer, as well as ribbons for other causes.

History

• The first true awareness ribbon was the yellow ribbon worn in support of the United States military as far back as 1917. Celebrity AIDS and HIV activists also popularized red ribbons by wearing them to high-profile events.

Criticism

• While cancer awareness ribbons are popular with some people, others deride their popularity as a form of "slacktivism," a form of support with no real benefit.

Misconceptions

• Many people that purchase cancer awareness ribbon products believe that all money raised goes to a reputable cancer charity. This isn't true. Many unscrupulous people sell ribbons, capitalizing on the public's goodwill, and donate very little or none of the proceeds for cancer research or support.

Types

• Cancer awareness ribbons come in many different colors, including pink for breast cancer awareness, orange for leukemia and skin cancer, light blue for prostate cancer, green for kidney cancer and teal for female reproductive cancers (see Resources).

Considerations

• When considering purchasing a cancer awareness ribbon, make sure that the product is sold by a reputable charity or company that gives the proceeds to an established cancer advocacy group. Well-known groups include the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (see Resources).