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Cancer encyclopedia

Ribbon colors, cancer types,and next steps.

A beautiful, practical reference for definitions, common symptoms, treatment paths, awareness dates, and donation starting points. Confirm medical details with your care team.

Bone cancer

Brain and central nervous system cancer

Breast cancer

Carcinoid and neuroendocrine tumors

Cervical cancer

Childhood cancer

Colorectal cancer

Endometrial and uterine cancer

Esophageal cancer

25+

major cancer groups

Ribbon

colors + awareness dates

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trusted starting points

Find the ribbon

Cancer types A–Z

Awareness dates can vary by country and organization. Donation links are trusted starting points, not endorsements.

29 of 29 cancers shown

Ribbon

Lavender

General

All cancers

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A broad term for diseases where abnormal cells grow, invade nearby tissue, or spread to other parts of the body.

Awareness

  • World Cancer Day — February 4; National Cancer Survivors Day — first Sunday in June

Common signs

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent fatigue
  • New lumps
  • Unusual bleeding
  • Pain or changes that do not resolve

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Hormone therapy

Support research & patients

Verified partner: American Cancer Society

Donate now

Ribbon

Blue, yellow, and purple

Genitourinary

Bladder cancer

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Cancer that begins in the bladder lining, most often in urothelial cells.

Awareness

  • Bladder Cancer Awareness Month — May

Common signs

  • Blood in urine
  • Painful urination
  • Frequent urination
  • Pelvic or back pain

Treatment paths

  • TURBT surgery
  • Intravesical therapy
  • Cystectomy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Radiation therapy

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network

Donate now

Ribbon

Yellow

Sarcoma

Bone cancer

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A cancer that starts in bone tissue, including osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma.

Awareness

  • Sarcoma Awareness Month — July; Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — September

Common signs

  • Bone pain
  • Swelling
  • Fractures
  • Fatigue
  • Limited movement

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Rehabilitation

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Sarcoma Foundation of America

Donate now

Ribbon

Gray

Neurologic

Brain and central nervous system cancer

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Tumors that begin in the brain, spinal cord, or central nervous system tissues.

Awareness

  • Brain Tumor Awareness Month — May; Glioblastoma Awareness Day — July

Common signs

  • Headaches
  • Seizures
  • Vision changes
  • Balance problems
  • Personality or memory changes

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Tumor treating fields
  • Targeted therapy
  • Clinical trials

Support research & patients

Verified partner: National Brain Tumor Society

Donate now

Ribbon

Pink

Breast

Breast cancer

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Cancer that forms in breast tissue, commonly in ducts or lobules.

Awareness

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month — October; Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day — October 13

Common signs

  • Breast lump
  • Skin dimpling
  • Nipple discharge
  • Breast or nipple pain
  • Swelling or redness

Treatment paths

  • Lumpectomy or mastectomy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • HER2-targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Donate now

Ribbon

Zebra stripe

Neuroendocrine

Carcinoid and neuroendocrine tumors

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Cancers that arise from hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells, often in the digestive tract, pancreas, or lungs.

Awareness

  • World NET Cancer Day — November 10; NET Cancer Awareness Month — November

Common signs

  • Flushing
  • Diarrhea
  • Wheezing
  • Abdominal pain
  • Hormone-related symptoms

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Somatostatin analogs
  • Targeted therapy
  • Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy
  • Liver-directed therapy

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation

Donate now

Ribbon

Teal and white

Gynecologic

Cervical cancer

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Cancer that begins in the cervix, often linked to persistent high-risk HPV infection.

Awareness

  • Cervical Cancer Awareness Month — January

Common signs

  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Bleeding after sex
  • Pelvic pain
  • Unusual discharge
  • Pain during sex

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Foundation for Women's Cancer

Donate now

Ribbon

Gold

Pediatric

Childhood cancer

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A group of cancers diagnosed in children and adolescents, including leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas, and sarcomas.

Awareness

  • Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — September; International Childhood Cancer Day — February 15

Common signs

  • Persistent fever
  • Unexplained bruising
  • Lumps
  • Bone pain
  • Headaches or vomiting
  • Sudden vision changes

Treatment paths

  • Chemotherapy
  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Stem cell transplant
  • Clinical trials

Support research & patients

Verified partner: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Donate now

Ribbon

Dark blue

Digestive

Colorectal cancer

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Cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, often developing from precancerous polyps.

Awareness

  • Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month — March

Common signs

  • Blood in stool
  • Bowel habit changes
  • Abdominal pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Iron-deficiency anemia

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy for eligible tumors

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Colorectal Cancer Alliance

Donate now

Ribbon

Peach

Gynecologic

Endometrial and uterine cancer

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Cancer that starts in the lining or muscle of the uterus; endometrial cancer is the most common uterine type.

Awareness

  • Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month — September; Uterine Cancer Awareness Month — June

Common signs

  • Postmenopausal bleeding
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Pelvic pain
  • Watery discharge
  • Pain during sex

Treatment paths

  • Hysterectomy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Foundation for Women's Cancer

Donate now

Ribbon

Periwinkle

Digestive

Esophageal cancer

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Cancer that begins in the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

Awareness

  • Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month — April

Common signs

  • Trouble swallowing
  • Chest pain
  • Weight loss
  • Hoarseness
  • Chronic cough or reflux

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Endoscopic therapies

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Esophageal Cancer Action Network

Donate now

Ribbon

Kelly green

Digestive

Gallbladder and bile duct cancer

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Rare cancers that begin in the gallbladder or bile ducts, including cholangiocarcinoma.

Awareness

  • Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month — February

Common signs

  • Jaundice
  • Abdominal pain
  • Itching
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Pale stools

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Biliary drainage

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation

Donate now

Ribbon

Burgundy and ivory

Head & Neck

Head and neck cancers

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Cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, sinuses, nasal cavity, or salivary glands.

Awareness

  • Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month — April

Common signs

  • Persistent sore throat
  • Mouth sore
  • Hoarseness
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Neck lump
  • Ear pain

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Speech and swallowing rehab

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Head and Neck Cancer Alliance

Donate now

Ribbon

Violet

Blood

Hodgkin lymphoma

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A lymphoma marked by Reed-Sternberg cells that begins in the lymphatic system.

Awareness

  • Blood Cancer Awareness Month — September; World Lymphoma Awareness Day — September 15

Common signs

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Weight loss
  • Itching
  • Fatigue

Treatment paths

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Stem cell transplant for relapse

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Donate now

Ribbon

Orange

Genitourinary

Kidney cancer

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Cancer that starts in the kidney, most commonly renal cell carcinoma.

Awareness

  • Kidney Cancer Awareness Month — March; World Kidney Cancer Day — June

Common signs

  • Blood in urine
  • Side or back pain
  • Abdominal mass
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Fever

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Ablation
  • Active surveillance
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Radiation for symptoms

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Kidney Cancer Association

Donate now

Ribbon

Orange

Blood

Leukemia

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Cancer of blood-forming tissues that causes abnormal white blood cells to grow in the blood and bone marrow.

Awareness

  • Blood Cancer Awareness Month — September; Leukemia Awareness Month — September

Common signs

  • Fatigue
  • Frequent infections
  • Easy bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Bone pain
  • Fever

Treatment paths

  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • CAR T-cell therapy
  • Stem cell transplant
  • Supportive transfusions

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Donate now

Ribbon

Emerald green

Digestive

Liver cancer

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Cancer that begins in liver cells; hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer.

Awareness

  • Liver Cancer Awareness Month — October; World Hepatitis Day — July 28

Common signs

  • Abdominal pain
  • Jaundice
  • Weight loss
  • Swelling
  • Nausea
  • Feeling full quickly

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Transplant
  • Ablation
  • Embolization
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Radiation therapy

Support research & patients

Verified partner: American Liver Foundation

Donate now

Ribbon

White / pearl

Thoracic

Lung cancer

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Cancer that begins in lung tissue, most commonly non-small cell or small cell lung cancer.

Awareness

  • Lung Cancer Awareness Month — November; World Lung Cancer Day — August 1

Common signs

  • Persistent cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing blood
  • Hoarseness
  • Weight loss

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Clinical trials

Support research & patients

Verified partner: LUNGevity Foundation

Donate now

Ribbon

Black

Skin

Melanoma and skin cancer

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Cancers that begin in skin cells; melanoma starts in pigment-producing melanocytes and can spread quickly.

Awareness

  • Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month — May; Melanoma Monday — first Monday in May

Common signs

  • Changing mole
  • Asymmetry
  • Irregular border
  • Multiple colors
  • Large or evolving spot
  • Non-healing sore

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Topical or local therapy for some skin cancers

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Melanoma Research Foundation

Donate now

Ribbon

Burgundy

Blood

Multiple myeloma

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Cancer of plasma cells in bone marrow that can affect bones, kidneys, blood counts, and immunity.

Awareness

  • Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month — March

Common signs

  • Bone pain
  • Fractures
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent infections
  • Kidney problems
  • High calcium symptoms

Treatment paths

  • Proteasome inhibitors
  • Immunomodulatory drugs
  • Monoclonal antibodies
  • Steroids
  • Stem cell transplant
  • CAR T-cell therapy

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

Donate now

Ribbon

Lime green

Blood

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

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A diverse group of lymphatic-system cancers that includes B-cell, T-cell, indolent, and aggressive lymphomas.

Awareness

  • Blood Cancer Awareness Month — September; World Lymphoma Awareness Day — September 15

Common signs

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Night sweats
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal fullness

Treatment paths

  • Immunochemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • CAR T-cell therapy
  • Stem cell transplant
  • Active surveillance for some types

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Lymphoma Research Foundation

Donate now

Ribbon

Burgundy and white

Head & Neck

Oral cancer

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Cancer that develops in the lips, tongue, gums, floor of mouth, palate, or other oral tissues.

Awareness

  • Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month — April

Common signs

  • Mouth sore that does not heal
  • Red or white patch
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain swallowing
  • Jaw swelling
  • Numbness

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Dental and speech support

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Oral Cancer Foundation

Donate now

Ribbon

Teal

Gynecologic

Ovarian cancer

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Cancer that begins in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum and is often detected after symptoms persist.

Awareness

  • Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month — September; World Ovarian Cancer Day — May 8

Common signs

  • Bloating
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Feeling full quickly
  • Urinary urgency
  • Fatigue
  • Bowel changes

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • PARP inhibitors
  • Targeted therapy
  • Hormone therapy for select tumors
  • Clinical trials

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

Donate now

Ribbon

Purple

Digestive

Pancreatic cancer

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Cancer that begins in the pancreas, often in ducts that help carry digestive enzymes.

Awareness

  • Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month — November; World Pancreatic Cancer Day — November

Common signs

  • Jaundice
  • Back or abdominal pain
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • New diabetes
  • Digestive changes

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy for eligible mutations
  • Supportive care
  • Clinical trials

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Donate now

Ribbon

Light blue

Genitourinary

Prostate cancer

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Cancer that starts in the prostate gland, often slow-growing but sometimes aggressive.

Awareness

  • Prostate Cancer Awareness Month — September; Men's Health Month — June

Common signs

  • Often none early
  • Urinary changes
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Bone pain if advanced
  • Pelvic discomfort

Treatment paths

  • Active surveillance
  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Radiopharmaceuticals

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Prostate Cancer Foundation

Donate now

Ribbon

Yellow

Sarcoma

Sarcoma

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A family of cancers that begins in connective tissues such as muscle, fat, nerves, blood vessels, bone, or cartilage.

Awareness

  • Sarcoma Awareness Month — July

Common signs

  • Growing lump
  • Pain or swelling
  • Limited movement
  • Abdominal fullness
  • Unexplained fracture for bone sarcoma

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy for select subtypes
  • Clinical trials

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Sarcoma Foundation of America

Donate now

Ribbon

Periwinkle blue

Digestive

Stomach cancer

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Cancer that begins in the stomach lining, also called gastric cancer.

Awareness

  • Stomach Cancer Awareness Month — November

Common signs

  • Indigestion
  • Feeling full quickly
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Blood in stool or vomit

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • HER2-targeted therapy
  • Supportive nutrition

Support research & patients

Verified partner: No Stomach For Cancer

Donate now

Ribbon

Orchid purple

Genitourinary

Testicular cancer

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Cancer that begins in one or both testicles, most often in germ cells.

Awareness

  • Testicular Cancer Awareness Month — April

Common signs

  • Testicular lump
  • Swelling
  • Heaviness in scrotum
  • Dull ache
  • Back pain if advanced

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Surveillance
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy for select seminomas
  • Retroperitoneal lymph node surgery

Support research & patients

Verified partner: Testicular Cancer Foundation

Donate now

Ribbon

Teal, pink, and blue

Endocrine

Thyroid cancer

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Cancer that starts in thyroid gland cells, including papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic types.

Awareness

  • Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month — September

Common signs

  • Neck lump
  • Hoarseness
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Neck pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Breathing difficulty

Treatment paths

  • Surgery
  • Radioactive iodine
  • Thyroid hormone therapy
  • External radiation
  • Targeted therapy
  • Chemotherapy for select cases

Support research & patients

Verified partner: ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association

Donate now