The term “cancer cross” refers to the official logo of the American Cancer Society (ACS), an emblem known as the “Sword of Hope.” This symbol appears on literature, at fundraising events, and in digital campaigns, representing the collective effort to overcome the disease. It has become a recognizable sign of the push for scientific discovery and a beacon for patients, families, and communities affected by cancer.
The Symbol’s Origins and Design
In 1928, the American Society for the Control of Cancer (ASCC), the precursor to the ACS, held a poster contest to find a visual for its cause. A Brooklyn resident named George E. Durant submitted the winning design, which he named the “Sword of Hope.” His creation was chosen to express the determined spirit of the cancer control movement.
Durant’s design drew inspiration from the Rod of Asclepius from Greek mythology, a serpent coiled around a staff long associated with medicine. He adapted this concept by creating a handle for the sword from a caduceus, which features two intertwined serpents. This element was chosen to highlight the medical and scientific nature of the organization’s work.
The initial design featured a sharp sword with the serpents forming its hilt, blending the idea of a fight with the principles of healing. Over the decades, the logo has been modernized and simplified, but the core elements of the sword and serpents remain. These changes reflect the organization’s evolution while preserving the original vision.
Interpreting the Symbol’s Meaning
The components of the Sword of Hope have meanings specific to the battle against cancer. The sword itself represents the “crusading spirit” of the movement, signifying an active campaign against the disease and the effort to find effective treatments.
The two serpents entwined around the handle carry a dual symbolism. Classically, these creatures represent healing and knowledge. For the ACS, they symbolize the work of scientific research and the wisdom required to care for patients, reflecting the approach of advancing medical science while providing support.
The sword is the weapon in the fight, representing the pursuit of a cure through research and advocacy. The serpents ground this crusade in the principles of medicine and scientific discovery. The logo serves as a reminder of the determined and scientific nature of the organization’s work.
The Organization Behind the Symbol
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer. Its mission is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support.
A primary function of the ACS is funding research. Since 1946, the society has invested over $5 billion in cancer research, supporting scientists as they search for causes, better treatments, and improved prevention methods. This funding has contributed to numerous scientific breakthroughs.
The ACS also provides support for patients and their families. This includes offering free rides to treatment, providing lodging at Hope Lodge facilities for those who must travel for care, and operating a 24/7 national cancer information center. The society also works to reduce disparities in cancer care among different populations.
Advocacy is another pillar of the ACS’s work. Its affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), lobbies at all levels of government. They champion policies that promote cancer prevention, increase access to affordable care, and boost federal funding for cancer research.
Role in Public Awareness and Unity
The Sword of Hope serves as a unifying emblem for the community dedicated to fighting cancer. It brings together patients, survivors, caregivers, medical professionals, researchers, and volunteers under a single banner. This shared symbol fosters a sense of solidarity, reminding individuals they are part of a collective effort.
The logo’s visibility is a component of the ACS’s public awareness campaigns. It is featured on educational materials, websites, and at community events, creating a consistent and trusted presence. This use helps educate the public about prevention, early detection, and treatment options.
The symbol’s unifying role is apparent at ACS fundraising events like Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. At Relay For Life, teams walk a track to signify that cancer never sleeps, and the event provides a space to celebrate survivors and remember loved ones. The symbol helps transform individual hope into collective action, raising funds for the ACS mission.