Cancer Facts & Information
“Every Color. Every Cancer. Every Fighter Matters.”
At Lovie Helping Hand Cancer Foundation, we believe that knowledge is power — and that every person deserves access to clear, compassionate information about cancer.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, caring for a loved one, or navigating life after cancer — this page offers key facts, trusted resources, and hope to support your journey.
What Is Cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the body.
-
Some cancers form solid tumors (such as breast or lung cancer).
-
Others affect the blood or lymphatic system (such as leukemia or lymphoma).
-
There are over 100 types of cancer — each with unique treatment options and challenges.
-
Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
Most Common Types of Cancer
-
Breast Cancer
-
Lung Cancer
-
Colorectal Cancer
-
Prostate Cancer
-
Skin Cancer (Melanoma & Non-Melanoma)
-
Leukemia
-
Lymphoma
-
Pancreatic Cancer
-
Kidney (Renal) Cancer
-
Ovarian & Cervical Cancers
-
Brain & Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
-
Childhood Cancers
View our full list of Cancer Types & Support Resources →
The Importance of Early Detection
Many cancers are more treatable when caught early.
Routine screenings can detect certain cancers before symptoms appear:
-
Mammograms for breast cancer
-
Colonoscopies for colorectal cancer
-
Pap smears & HPV testing for cervical cancer
-
Skin checks for skin cancer
-
PSA blood test for prostate cancer (for men in certain age groups)
Know your body — report any unusual symptoms such as:
-
Unexplained weight loss
-
Persistent cough
-
Lumps or swelling
-
Fatigue
-
Changes in skin or moles
Talk to your doctor about which screenings are right for you.
What Causes Cancer?
Not all cancers have a known cause, but certain risk factors may increase your chances of developing cancer:
Lifestyle Factors:
-
Smoking & tobacco use
-
Alcohol consumption
-
Poor diet & obesity
-
Lack of physical activity
Environmental Factors:
-
Exposure to radiation (UV rays, X-rays)
-
Exposure to certain chemicals (asbestos, pesticides)
Biological Factors:
-
Infections (HPV, hepatitis B/C, H. pylori)
-
Family history / genetic mutations
-
Weakened immune system
Age:
-
Cancer risk increases as you get older, but it can occur at any age.
How Is Cancer Treated?
Cancer treatment depends on many factors, including type of cancer, stage, location, and your overall health. Common treatment options include:
-
Surgery
-
Radiation therapy
-
Chemotherapy
-
Immunotherapy
-
Targeted therapy
-
Hormone therapy
-
Stem cell transplant
-
Participation in clinical trials
Always discuss your treatment options, side effects, and goals with your oncology team.
Living with Cancer: Support & Self-Care
A cancer diagnosis affects every part of life — emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial.
Here are ways to support your well-being:
-
Build a support team (family, friends, healthcare team, support groups)
-
Ask about financial assistance (grants, transportation help, lodging, prescription assistance)
-
Take care of your body (rest, nutrition, gentle exercise as recommended)
-
Seek counseling or peer support groups
-
Connect with cancer survivor networks — you are not alone
Explore Support Resources →
Life After Cancer (Survivorship)
Life after cancer treatment is a new chapter — full of hope, but sometimes challenging:
-
Emotional healing (coping with anxiety, fear of recurrence)
-
Physical recovery (managing long-term side effects, rebuilding strength)
-
Returning to work or daily life
-
Navigating relationships & family changes
-
Ongoing medical monitoring & wellness care
Survivorship Tips:
-
Maintain regular follow-up appointments.
-
Practice self-care and positive lifestyle habits.
-
Reach out for emotional and social support.
-
Celebrate each milestone on your survivorship journey!
Cancer by the Numbers (U.S. Snapshot)
Over 1.9 million new cancer cases are diagnosed in the U.S. annually.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
The 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined is about 68% — a significant improvement thanks to earlier detection and better treatments.
There are now over 18 million cancer survivors in the U.S.
Top cancers by new cases: breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, skin melanoma.
Source: American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute
Ribbon Color Chart
“Every Color. Every Cancer.” — the ribbons we wear represent awareness, honor, and hope.
Breast Cancer
Pink
Prostate Cancer
Light Blue
Ovarian Cancer
Teal
Leukemia / Kidney Cancer
Orange
Childhood Cancer
Gold
Lymphoma
Lime Green
Head & Neck Cancers
Burgundy / Ivory
Colon Cancer
Dark Blue
Pancreatic / Testicular / Thyroid Cancer
Purple
Lung Cancer
White
Brain Cancer
Gray
Melanoma
Black
Bladder Cancer
Yellow
Uterine Cancer
Peach
All Cancers (general awareness ribbon)
Lavender
You are not Alone
At Lovie Helping Hand Cancer Foundation, we walk beside you — through every stage of the cancer journey.
Please reach out if you need:
-
Educational materials
-
Financial assistance
-
Emotional support
-
Connection to community resources
-
Peer-to-peer support