What is the Gold Ribbon and Why Does It Matter?

The gold ribbon is the international symbol of childhood cancer awareness, representing children and young people affected by all types of cancer. Each September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, people around the world wear gold ribbons and share their support to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. But why gold, and what does this simple symbol mean to the children and families whose lives are affected by a cancer diagnosis?

What does the gold ribbon represent?

Gold is the international colour of childhood cancer awareness. The gold ribbon represents every child and young person diagnosed with cancer, regardless of their cancer type, and the families who navigate the challenges that come with a diagnosis.

Gold was chosen to reflect the preciousness of children. Just as gold is a valuable metal, children are precious and deserve care, support and the opportunity to thrive.

By wearing a gold ribbon, displaying gold decorations or sharing gold ribbon messages, individuals and organisations can help make childhood cancer more visible and encourage conversations about the impact it has on families.

Why childhood cancer has its own symbol

Childhood cancer affects children and families in ways that deserve recognition in their own right. While many people recognise the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness, the gold ribbon brings attention to the unique needs of children diagnosed with cancer.

400,000 children and adolescents

An estimated 400,000 children and young people aged 0–19 develop cancer worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization.

A recognisable symbol helps unite communities, encourage awareness and show families that they are not alone. It also provides a simple way for people to demonstrate their support and help keep childhood cancer visible beyond the hospital walls.

The gold ribbon and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Every September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the experiences of children with cancer and the impact of a diagnosis on their families. The gold ribbon is worn throughout the month to show support, raise awareness and encourage people to get involved.

We invite individuals, schools, workplaces, sporting clubs and community groups to get behind the cause. Our range of gold ribbon merchandise offers an easy way to wear gold, share the message and help support children and families affected by childhood cancer.

Buy gold ribbon merchandise and show your support

Wearing gold is more than a way to raise awareness. Purchasing gold ribbon merchandise from us is also a practical way to support our work with children and families affected by childhood cancer.

Whether you're purchasing something for yourself, a friend, your workplace or a community fundraising activity, every purchase helps support the services we provide to families.