Bandanna Day Date in the current year: October 29, 2026

Although cancer is relatively uncommon in adolescents and young adults compared to older people, this is not necessarily a good thing. While young people are less likely to be diagnosed with cancer, if they are diagnosed, they are less likely to receive age-appropriate support because support programs are more common for adults or families with young children. Additionally, young people dealing with a loved one’s cancer diagnosis or death from cancer need age-appropriate support, too.

For more than forty years, the Australian charity Canteen has provided free support for young people aged 12-25 impacted by cancer, whether their own diagnosis or a loved one’s. It was founded in 1985 by a group of health professionals who brought together six young cancer patients to create the Teenage Cancer Patient Society, subsequently shortened to Canteen.

In 2001, the charity expanded its services to support young people dealing with a parent’s cancer diagnosis or death from cancer. Today, Canteen’s programs include counseling and individual support, peer support, Youth Cancer Services (treatment and support programs), youth leadership, a 24/7 online community (Canteen Connect), and the Education and Career Service (ECS).

Launched in 1994, Bandanna Day is Canteen’s signature awareness and fundraising campaign that helps raise money for the charity’s support services. The bandanna was likely chosen as a symbol because of its connection to cancer treatment; hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. However, Canteen does not emphasize this connection in its campaign. Instead, it presents bandannas as the primary symbol of solidarity with young people impacted by cancer.

The easiest way to participate in Bandanna Day is to purchase a bandanna from Canteen’s online store and wear it to raise awareness and show solidarity with those affected by cancer. Donating directly to Canteen is also an option.

There are usually multiple bandanna designs available. Some are created by individual artists who work with Canteen; others result from special collaborations with commercial partners, celebrities, and young people. There are usually special collections in addition to individual bandanna designs. For example, in 2026, Canteen presented the Mexican Design Collection, which came in seven colors: sky blue, black, pink, green, purple, yellow, and orange, as well as the Indigenous Design Collection.

Individuals, community groups, schools, and businesses can also participate by registering to sell bandannas during October. Potential sellers must complete a registration form specifying how many bandannas and display boxes they need. After receiving the bandannas from Canteen, sellers set up display boxes, sell the bandannas at a set price, and transfer the proceeds to Canteen. Sellers do not make a profit; they raise funds on Canteen’s behalf. After the fundraiser, they can ship unsold bandannas back to Canteen.