August is recognized as the official Appendix Cancer Awareness Month to increase awareness of this rare, but serious cancer that's on the rise and the need for MORE research to discover new treatments with the hope of one day finding a cure. The ACPMP Research Foundation was established in 2008 to fund research and education aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of appendix cancer.

Signs and symptoms of appendix cancer can be vague and widely varied among individual patients. Appendix Cancer can be incredibly hard to detect. Many patients, especially women, are misdiagnosed for years. Symptoms may include constipation, appendicitis, increased abdominal girth, bloating, pain or discomfort in the abdominal region, hernia-like symptoms, accumulation of ascites, pelvic pain mimicking fibroids, endometriosis, and ovarian cysts or tumors.

Along with establishing amber as the official ribbon color for appendix cancer, having an established awareness month further enhances ACPMP's critical mission. To that end, in August, ACPMP will produce programming throughout August to raise awareness of appendix cancer to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with this rare and complex cancer that claims the lives of many every year. Each and every patient's life is precious beyond measure.

Appendiceal cancer is what claimed the lives of Audrey Hepburn, ESPN personality Stuart Scott, mystery author Sue Grafton, mystery author and avid ACPMP supporter Carol Higgins Clark, and actor Adan Canto.

Light Up Amber

The Month of August
Light Up #AmberforAppendixCancer is a campaign to shine a light on this rare but increasingly prevalent cancer by illuminating landmarks nationwide! We need your help! We need help taking photos of participating landmarks near you!

Join the Amber Circle

The Month of August

By giving just $5/month, you’ll help sustain our mission and shine a light on this rare disease beyond August. Plus, everyone who joins during the month of August will receive a Free Awareness Item as a thank-you for sustaining hope!

Other Ways You Can Raise Awareness

  • Turn Your Community Amber!

    1. Decorate your home, office, classroom, or business with amber decorations, balloons, ribbons, lights, or window displays.
    2. Light your porch or outdoor lights amber throughout August to help raise awareness.
    3. Display an Appendix Cancer Awareness yard sign in your yard or window. (Download here.)
    4. Share photos of your amber decorations on social media using #AmberForAppendixCancer and #TurnAugustAmber, and tag @appendixcancerpmp so we can feature your display!

  • Become an Amber Voice!

    1. Email ambervoices@acpmp.org to reserve a posting date.
    2. We'll send you simple instructions for recording and submitting your 30–60 second video.
    3. Watch for your video on ACPMP's social media during August and share it with your family, friends, and community.
    4. Help educate others, inspire hope, and remind everyone that no one faces appendix cancer alone.

  • Share Awareness Stickers on Instagram!

    1. Click here to head to our Instagram profile, you will be directed to the highlight labeled August
    2. Tap on the right side to look through our messages, to go back, tap on the left side
    3. Tap on the sticker of your choice
    4. Click on the bottom left of your screen to add a selfie or any other picture to go with your message
    5. Post to your story! Click on the ‘‘Your story’’ button to post!
    6. Make sure to tag us @appendixcancerpmp

  • Share Photos on Social Media

    1. Post on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and BluSky; use the hashtag #AmberForAppendixCancer & #TurnAugustAmber
    2. Share our posts to your Instagram or Facebook stories and make sure to tag us @appendixcancerpmp
    3. Change your Facebook Cover to our Awareness Month Graphic

  • Learn & Share Educational Resources

    1. Check out our helpful links page for new patient information, educational resources, support forums, and more.
    2. View our Educational Video Archive for past symposiums and webinars
    3. Find an Appendix Cancer Specialist in your area
    4. View recent published research on appendix cancer

  • Share Your Story or Feedback

    1. Help us spread the word about ACPMP by sharing your experience with our community.
    2. Leave a brief review on GreatNonprofits to help raise awareness of the impact of our work.
    3. It only takes 3 minutes to share your story and help others find support.
    4. Use this link to leave your feedback.

  • Use Signs to Share Your Story

    1. "I'm Wearing Amber in Memory of..."
    2. "I'm an Appendix Cancer Survivor"
    3. "I'm Supporting By..."
    4. "I'm Wearing Amber for..."
    5. Awareness Month Desktop Wallpaper

Many thanks to Cancer.net, the patient information website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (the world’s largest organization of cancer physicians), and Medical News Today for recognizing August as Appendix Cancer Awareness Month.

State Proclamations

Communities Across the Country Are Recognizing Appendix Cancer Awareness Month

Thanks to the dedication of ACPMP volunteers and supporters, governors, mayors, and local officials across the country have officially proclaimed August as Appendix Cancer Awareness Month.

To date, we have the following proclamations confirmed:

  • Delaware, represented by Carol Clancy
  • Hawaii, represented by Dandylyon Darr
  • Illinois, represented by Ellen Zolper
  • Illinois, Village of Schaumburg, represented by Ellen Zolper
  • Kentucky, represented by Whittney Allen
  • Louisiana, represented  by Anonymous
  • Maryland, represented  by Scott Durkin
  • Michigan, represented  by David Zyble
  • New Jersey, represented by Deanna Flanick and Yesenia Madas
  • South Dakota, represented by Lindsay Frankenfeld
  • West Virginia, represented by Ashby Kave
  • Wisconsin, represented by Deborah Stalsberg

Do you want to represent your state in 2027? Reach out at proclamations@acpmp.org and let us know so that we can make sure you are on our contact list for next year.

Past Awareness Month Results