Is there a symbol that you associate with cancer?
Many people choose to wear a ribbon to show their support for cancer as well as raise awareness and advocate for research and resources.
‘Cancer ribbons’ come in different colours to represent a different form of cancer, the pink ribbon being the most recognisable for the fight against breast cancer.
There are quite a number of ribbons and the lavender ribbon is seen as a general symbol of awareness for all cancers.
To be honest though, there are too many ribbons and knowing all the colours gets confusing.
Then there is the daffodil symbol we associate with the cancer charity Marie Curie. They have chosen this flower because,
“They’re a symbol of spring and symbolise new beginnings and rebirth. They’re a positive, life-affirming symbol, with a bright and joyful yellow colour. Daffodils are strong, resilient flowers that pop up year after year.”
Yellow flowers often symbolise new beginnings and happiness as well as hope.
Personally, I’d like to suggest we choose the humble dandelion as a universal symbol of cancer.
When cancer hits you then your identity is scattered far and wide like fluffy dandelion-clock seeds in a high wind.
This is not game over.
You can flower again as these seeds are all ready to germinate and make yet more dandelions.
The dandelion is a symbol of strength, hope, resilience, healing and transformation.
Dandelions are symbolic of positivity and progress, a plant that is determined, has endurance and has mastered every survival skill.
If that’s not what we are about then I don’t know what is!
Dandelion is from the French term dents-de-lion, which means lion’s tooth, referring to the jagged edges of its leaves.
If there is something cancer survivors are and that is lions! We have the teeth of a lion and we can still roar!
Remember, you have lions teeth!
Dandelions might be seen as weeds and loathed by gardeners but these plants are hardy, they are beautiful and they never give up. They are a symbol of confidence!
Their colour yellow is symbolic of communication, clarity, and is associated with an intelligent, quick witted and alert mind.
Did you know they are also entirely edible?! Don’t worry, I’m not about to suggest that they are a cure for cancer because they are not. But they are good for you and their leaves contain more beta carotene than carrots and more iron than spinach.
Okay, I get it, dandelions are associated with superstition, magic and the granting of desires.
We all know the folklore of blowing on a dandelion puff and your wishes will be carried on the wind eventually coming true. Legend says that blowing the fluffy seed heads will also carry thoughts and dreams to loved ones.
This simple act gives dandelions a unique symbol of hope and positivity.
I know the granting of wishes doesn’t happen but if you have cancer then what’s the harm, it’s just a symbol, and we all wish we didn’t have this dreadful disease, so blow!
The dandelion is a powerful symbol of overcoming adversity and embracing change. It is a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and the ability to thrive in difficult conditions.
Cancer patients certainly fit this bill.
National Dandelion Day is celebrated on April 5 but as a symbol of resilience, let’s make this every day as dandelions bring joy!
The humble dandelion is my choice as a symbol of fighting cancer because it represents overcoming all the difficult challenges that life throws our way.
P.S. The photo is one I took on a walk in Derbyshire and I used a mirror for extra pizzazz!