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.
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History
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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?
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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.
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Identification
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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
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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
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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.
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