National Cancer Institute Logo
The National Cancer Institute logo uses 4 primary colors. Its dominant color is Red Jalapeño (#BB0E3D, closest Pantone 193 C). National Cancer Institute operates in the Health industry.
Design analysis
The NCI logo is a combination mark pairing a geometric symbol with the full institutional name in a clean sans-serif typeface. The symbol appears to be an abstract, stylized form — possibly referencing a cell, a ribbon loop, or a data point — rendered in a single deep red. It sits to the left of the stacked wordmark "National Cancer Institute," which uses consistent letter-spacing and moderate weight for legibility. The lockup is horizontal, standard for government health agencies needing to fit into navigation bars and report headers.
At small sizes the symbol holds its shape because it avoids fine lines or gradients, but the long wordmark becomes the limiting factor; below roughly 24 px the text blurs, so the symbol often stands alone in app icons or favicons. In the crowded cancer-information space, the mark feels authoritative rather than emotional — it signals .gov credibility first, advocacy second. The lack of tagline or decorative flourishes keeps it functional across languages (English/Spanish) and formats (print, digital, signage).
Logo colors, measured
Colors extracted from the logo image itself (background removed), with share of the mark each color covers.
Click a chip to copy its hex code.
The dominant #BB0E3D is a deep, blue-red crimson that references the red awareness ribbon used across blood-cancer campaigns while avoiding the pink associated with breast-cancer branding. It conveys urgency and life-science seriousness without alarm. The supporting #606061 dark gray grounds the mark in clinical neutrality and ensures accessibility contrast against white backgrounds. Together they differentiate NCI from the NIH parent brand's blue palette, giving the institute instant visual autonomy on shared campuses and co-branded publications.
Variations & downloads
Color variants generated from the vector source — free to download for identification, editorial and research use.
Visually similar logos
Nearest neighbors in visual embedding space — marks that share shape and structure with the National Cancer Institute logo, regardless of color or industry.
Brand web palette
Colors National Cancer Institute uses across its website — the broader brand system around the logo.
About National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a trusted source for science-based information about cancer. They offer comprehensive information on various aspects of cancer, including treatment, prevention, screening, genetics, causes, and coping strategies. Whether you are seeking information about cancer types, research grants, or training opportunities, the NCI has you covered. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, the NCI provides resources to help you understand what to expect and cope with the diagnosis. They offer information on symptoms, diagnosis, staging, and ways to find a doctor or treatment facility. Additionally, they explain different types of treatment options, including clinical trials, to empower patients and assist them in making informed decisions. The NCI also supports patients and families by offering resources to manage cancer costs and medical information. They provide advice for families dealing with childhood cancer and offer information on advanced cancer, including end-of-life planning. Their website is available in both English and Spanish, and they provide live help through their helpline. For those seeking specific information, the NCI offers resources such as the NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms, which provides easy-to-understand definitions of cancer-related words and phrases. They also have patient education booklets available for download, covering a wide range of topics related to cancer treatment. With its commitment to providing accurate and reliable information, the National Cancer Institute is a valuable resource for anyone affected by cancer
Questions about the National Cancer Institute logo
What does the NCI logo symbol represent?
The symbol is an abstract geometric form that suggests a cell, a data node, or a ribbon loop without depicting any single object literally. NCI's brand guidelines describe it as a "visual metaphor for scientific discovery and patient connection," leaving interpretation open so the mark remains relevant across research, treatment, and prevention contexts.
Why does NCI use red instead of the NIH blue?
The crimson palette distinguishes the Institute from its parent agency, the National Institutes of Health, which uses a deep blue. Red also aligns with the red awareness ribbon adopted by leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple-myeloma communities, reinforcing NCI's disease-specific mission while maintaining the gravitas expected of a federal research body.
What color is the National Cancer Institute logo?
The dominant color of the National Cancer Institute logo is Red Jalapeño (hex #BB0E3D). The closest Pantone match is 193 C.
How many colors does the National Cancer Institute logo have?
The National Cancer Institute logo uses 4 primary colors: #BB0E3D, #606061, #BA1F40, #FFFFFF.
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The National Cancer Institute logo is a trademark of its owner, shown here for identification and design research. Color data is measured from the public mark by LogoLabs; analysis is editorial commentary. No affiliation or endorsement is implied.