National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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1. Introduction

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is observed every March in the United States. It serves as a critical window to educate the public about colorectal cancer (CRC)—cancer of the colon or rectum—and the life-saving importance of early screening. Once considered a disease of the elderly, colorectal cancer has become a growing concern for younger populations, making March a vital month for advocacy, policy change, and community action.

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2. Historical Evolution & Founding

The formal recognition of March as a dedicated month for colorectal cancer awareness is a result of a massive grassroots and legislative push at the turn of the millennium.

The 2000 Presidential Proclamation

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month was officially established on February 29, 2000, when President Bill Clinton signed Proclamation 7276.

• The Goal: To remove the stigma surrounding the "silent killer" and encourage Americans to discuss a topic that was previously considered "uncomfortable" or "taboo."

• The Catalyst: Before the proclamation, awareness was low and screening rates were under 50%. Stephanie Guiffre of the Prevent Cancer Foundation led a coalition of over 50 organizations to lobby Congress and the White House for this national designation.

Evolution of Screening Guidelines

A major historical milestone occurred in 2018 and 2021, when organizations like the American Cancer Society and the USPSTF lowered the recommended screening age from 50 to 45. This change was driven by data showing a sharp rise in "early-onset" colorectal cancer among Millennials and Gen X.

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3. The Current Crisis: Early-Onset CRC

Recent data from the American Cancer Society indicates a significant shift in the disease's demographics:

• The Leading Cause: Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women under 50.

• The "90% Rule": When caught early (localized stage), the 5-year survival rate is 91%. However, because early stages often show no symptoms, March campaigns emphasize "Screening is Prevention."

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4. Major Annual Activities & Observances

During March, several signature events take place to mobilize the community:

Dress in Blue Day

Held on the first Friday of March (e.g., March 6, 2026), this event was started by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Participants wear blue to honor those lost to the disease and to spark conversations about screening.

Scope It Out 5K

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance hosts its signature walk/run event at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and virtually across the country. It serves as a major fundraiser for research and patient support.

United in Blue / Flag Kits

Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) installs thousands of blue flags on the National Mall to represent the number of lives impacted. They offer "Flag Kits" for families to display in their own yards to raise local awareness.

Lead From Behind

A modern awareness initiative founded by tech entrepreneur Brooks Bell and powered by Ryan Reynolds' Maximum Effort. This campaign uses humor and celebrity influence to "make colon cancer famous" and normalize colonoscopies.

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5. Extensive Resource Directory

Primary Advocacy & Support Organizations

• Colorectal Cancer Alliance: Provides a "Blue Ribbon" helpline, financial assistance for screening, and an extensive patient navigator program.

• Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC): Focuses heavily on policy advocacy and research funding. Their "Resource Stack" provides easy-to-digest guides for patients.

• Prevent Cancer Foundation: The original architects of the awareness month, focusing on all preventable cancers with a strong emphasis on CRC toolkits.

Screening & Clinical Resources

• CDC: Screen for Life Campaign: Offers free print materials, public service announcements, and "Strangers with Colons" educational videos.

• American Cancer Society (ACS) Colorectal Section: The gold standard for statistics, risk factor breakdowns, and the "CancerRisk360" assessment tool.

• National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT): A coalition co-founded by the ACS and CDC that provides the "80% in Every Community" toolkit for healthcare providers.

Interactive Tools

• GetScreened.org: A simple quiz-based tool to help individuals determine which screening test (FIT, Cologuard, or Colonoscopy) is right for them based on their risk factors.

• Lead From Behind: Screening Quiz: A celebrity-backed interactive guide to understanding screening choices.

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6. Ways to Get Involved

1. Host a "Blue" Fundraiser: Use platforms like Facebook or Instagram to raise funds for research.

2. Social Media Advocacy: Use hashtags like #DressInBlueDay, #StrongArmSelfie, and #EnoughCRC.

3. Contact Legislators: Join Fight CRC’s "Virtual Day of Action" to urge Congress to increase federal funding for the CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program.

4. Distribute Toolkits: Download employer toolkits from the American Cancer Society to share with your HR department to encourage employee screenings.

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7. Conclusion

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month has transformed from a quiet legislative proclamation into a vibrant, celebrity-supported movement. By centering March on education and early detection, the advocacy community aims to turn "the preventable cancer" into a disease of the past. As the 2026 theme suggests, the goal remains: "Uniting for Equity Across the CRC Continuum."