Lung Cancer Ribbon

The Lung Cancer Ribbon (Pearl White)

The lung cancer ribbon, along with other awareness ribbons, serves the purpose of demonstrating support and increasing awareness about a disease that is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths globally, including in the United States. Wearing a lung cancer ribbon not only helps to raise awareness about the disease but also directs attention towards charitable organizations that provide funding for research or support individuals living with lung cancer. Additionally, it contributes to the reduction of stigma associated with this highly concerning disease.

This article explores the history of the lung cancer ribbon and discusses the significance of awareness in relation to current lung cancer statistics. It also outlines the objectives of cancer awareness and its impact on the decrease in lung cancer-related fatalities in recent decades.

Lung cancer, encompassing both small cell and non-small cell types, ranks as the second most prevalent cancer overall. Prostate cancer is more prevalent in males, while breast cancer is more common in females. Nevertheless, lung cancer is responsible for more deaths than the combined total of these two diseases. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer accounted for 130,180 deaths in the United States in 2022. This number is more than three times the death toll of breast cancer (43,780) and almost four times that of prostate cancer (34,500).

Furthermore, there were 236,740 new lung cancer diagnoses in 2022, with females accounting for slightly more cases than males (118,830 vs. 117,910 respectively).  The color of the ribbon representing lung cancer awareness is pearl or white. However, LCFA encourages individuals to showcase their creativity during Lung Cancer Awareness Month by painting their nails white, wearing a white shirt and pearls, or wearing lung cancer ribbons throughout November. In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness month, this November is an opportunity to share crucial information about lung cancer screening and biomarker testing with friends and family. 

Lung Cancer Ribbons (Pearl White)

The white ribbon is also emblematic of Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, a month-long event used to educate the public and empower individuals and families living with the disease.  The White Ribbon Project, a lung cancer advocacy organization, was established by Heidi and Pierre Onda in Greenwood Village, Colorado.  Over time, the campaign expanded from a local initiative to a national and international effort in creating ribbons.

The white lung cancer ribbon also symbolizes Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, a month-long event dedicated to educating the public and supporting individuals and families affected by the disease. Initially starting as Lung Cancer Awareness Day in 1995, this initiative has now grown into a global awareness campaign.