Transportation with a Purpose: Spreading Awareness for National Cancer Awareness Month

Every February, as National Cancer Awareness Month arrives, people across the country come together to honor those affected by cancer, spread vital education about prevention and early detection, and raise funds for research.

At Road Scholar Transport, we use our fleet of eye-catching tractor trailers as moving billboards to amplify cancer awareness—turning every mile we travel into an opportunity to educate and inspire communities nationwide.

🧠 Cancer Statistics: Why Awareness Matters Now More Than Ever

According to the American Cancer Society’s 2026 Cancer Statistics report, the current burden of cancer in the United States is significant: an estimated 2,114,850 new cancer cases and 626,140 cancer deaths are projected for this year alone.

While progress has been made — including a record 70% five-year survival rate for all cancers combined thanks to advances in treatment and early detection — cancer continues to be a leading cause of death, underscoring the ongoing need for awareness and support.

📊 Key National Cancer Figures (U.S. projections for 2026)

  • Total new cancer cases: ~2,114,850 (roughly 5,800 per day)
  • Total cancer deaths expected: ~626,140
  • 5-year survival rate across all cancers: 70% — the highest yet recorded.

📌 Leading Cancer Burdens (based on 2025 projections, latest detailed breakdown)

  • Breast Cancer: ~319,750 new cases
  • Prostate Cancer: ~313,780 new cases
  • Lung & Bronchus Cancer: ~226,650 new cases
  • Pancreatic Cancer: ~67,440 new cases
  • Colorectal Cancer: ~154,270 new cases

Despite declines in cancer overall death rates, lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers remain among the most lethal.  Lung cancer, in particular, still accounts for by far the highest number of deaths.

🚛 Awareness Trucks: A Fleet with a Purpose

Road Scholar Transport has long believed that moving freight can also move hearts and minds.  Each awareness truck in the fleet is dedicated to an important cancer cause — combining bold visuals with powerful education and fundraising efforts.

🍋 Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Inspired by young Alexandra Scott’s dream to help find a cure for childhood cancer, this bright yellow trailer features her iconic lemonade stand and the message: “Fighting Childhood Cancer, One Cup at a Time.”

🐻 Children’s Cancer Recovery Foundation

A jet-black trailer adorned with the foundation’s symbolic bear and red bandana honors kids battling cancer and highlights vital programs like the Bear-Able Gift and Camp Scholarship initiatives.

🎗️ Sky High for St. Jude

Created with creative partners and advocates, this truck spreads awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, supporting research and care for hundreds of thousands of children.

💗 American Breast Cancer Foundation

Road Scholar’s beloved pink truck first rolled out as a bold challenge and has since become a staple of breast cancer awareness efforts on the road.

💙 Northeast Regional Cancer Institute

The “Rock on Judi H” trailer pays tribute to Judi H and supports the institute’s mission through the popular Pink Lady Guitar raffle.

🩵 Prostate Cancer Awareness Truck

A teal tractor trailer dedicated to prostate cancer awareness honors the experiences of drivers and community members affected by this disease.

💜 Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

This purple truck reinforces the urgency of early detection and research for one of the deadliest cancers, whose mortality remains stubbornly high.

🫁 Lung Cancer Alliance

Featuring portraits of advocates and survivors, this truck spreads the message that lung cancer awareness and early diagnosis save lives.

🎗️Penn State THON – Childhood Cancer Awareness

In 2017, Road Scholar Transport had the privilege of adding a Penn State THON awareness trailer to our growing fleet dedicated to childhood cancer awareness.  The idea was sparked by Jenn Friel, whose father works for Road Scholar Transport and who recognized an opportunity to combine our long-standing awareness initiatives with THON’s powerful mission.

THON is Penn State IFC's 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon and stands as the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.  Held every February, THON represents a year-long fundraising effort led by thousands of Penn State students, volunteers, and supporters.  Funds raised through THON directly benefit the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital at Hershey Medical Center, helping to cover medical expenses and support groundbreaking research in the fight against pediatric cancer.

“I had seen my dad and Road Scholar roll out new trucks for many years, but I wasn’t sure of the exact process of getting one designed,” Jenn shared. “The next summer, I brought it up to my dad and he was all for the idea.”

Once the fall semester began, Jenn presented the idea to THON’s then-Overall Director, Austin Sommerer, who immediately embraced the concept.  From there, collaboration began right away, with work moving quickly to finalize the design in time for its debut during THON Weekend.

The finished trailer was revealed at the height of the event, serving as a visible symbol of hope, perseverance, and community support.  Today, the THON trailer continues to travel across the country, carrying the message of childhood cancer awareness and the mission of THON—to conquer childhood cancer—one mile at a time.

🚚 The Role of Transportation in Raising Awareness

The trucking industry moves more than freight — it moves messages and meaning.  Road Scholar Transport’s awareness trucks are a remarkable example of blending logistics with social impact, educating people in cities and towns across America.

At the same time, safety and integrity remain paramount.  Road Scholar continues to uphold strict compliance, advanced security procedures, and ethical practices to ensure every delivery — from life-saving medications to everyday goods — is handled responsibly.

💡 Conclusion: Driving Change, One Mile at a Time

National Cancer Awareness Month is a call to action: to educate, inspire, and support.  Through its fleet of dedicated awareness trucks, Road Scholar Transport not only champions vital cancer causes — it also demonstrates how an industry rooted in motion can amplify messages that matter.

Whether you’re a driver, supporter, or community member, every mile traveled with intention helps drive progress toward earlier diagnosis, improved treatments, and stronger support systems for all affected by cancer.

For more on Road Scholar Transport’s awareness initiatives and transport services, visit our Awareness Trucks page.

 

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