Health awareness campaigns often use colors and calendar designations to rally public support and education. These campaigns elevate diseases that might otherwise receive less public attention or research funding. By setting aside a specific time, organizations coordinate efforts to raise awareness, share patient stories, and drive advocacy for better treatments. This approach helps focus the conversation, turning a complex medical issue into a memorable call to action.
What the “Go Gray in May” Phrase Means
The phrase “Go Gray in May” is the campaign slogan for Brain Tumor Awareness Month in the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the US, this designation was formally recognized by a congressional resolution in 2008, establishing May as the annual period for focused education and fundraising. The color gray is the internationally recognized symbol for brain tumor awareness, often represented by a gray ribbon. This choice is symbolic, representing the gray matter that forms a major component of the central nervous system. The campaign encourages the public to wear gray clothing or ribbons throughout the month to visually signal solidarity and support.
The Medical Focus of the Awareness Month
This campaign focuses public attention on the nearly 700,000 Americans currently living with a primary brain tumor. An estimated 94,390 new diagnoses are expected annually, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Brain tumors are classified as either non-malignant (benign) or malignant (cancerous), with approximately 72% of all primary tumors being non-malignant. However, the location of any brain tumor can still cause severe, life-altering physical, cognitive, and psychological impacts due to the delicate nature of the organ.
For the estimated 28% of tumors that are malignant, the prognosis is often challenging. The five-year relative survival rate for all patients with a malignant brain tumor stands at 35.7%. This survival rate has seen little improvement in recent years, contrasting with advances made against many other types of cancer. The most common and aggressive malignant form, Glioblastoma (GBM), has an especially poor outlook, with a five-year relative survival rate of only 6.9%.
The urgency of the awareness month is magnified by the impact of the disease on the pediatric population. Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor and the leading cause of cancer-related death in children and adolescents. Certain pediatric tumors, such as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), remain devastating due to their extremely low survival rate. These statistics underscore the necessity of increased funding and research for more effective treatment options for both adults and children.
Ways to Support the Campaign
The primary goal of “Go Gray in May” is to translate awareness into tangible action for the brain tumor community. A visible form of support is wearing gray apparel, a gray ribbon, or updating social media profiles with gray-themed graphics. This visual presence helps spark conversations and normalizes the discussion of the disease. Sharing information about the signs and symptoms of brain tumors is also important, as increasing early detection can improve patient outcomes.
Financial contributions are crucial, supporting organizations that fund research for clinical trials and provide patient support services. Individuals can organize local fundraisers, such as community events or 5K walk/runs, or create personal online campaigns. Advocacy efforts, such as contacting local legislative representatives, also champion the need for continued government funding for neuro-oncology research. Supporters help advance the search for breakthroughs and provide immediate assistance to patients and their families by focusing on education, fundraising, and advocacy.