March 3rd, 2025
Did you know that, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths?
Colorectal Cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers, which is why raising awareness and educating others about its prevalence is so important.
March was appointed as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in 1999 after extensive advocacy by the colorectal community. The month not only serves to raise awareness and offer education but also to honor and remember those affected by the disease.
In addition to being National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, March also features the Colorectal Cancer Alliance's Dress in Blue Day, a day dedicated to increasing awareness, encouraging preventive measures, and showing support for those affected by colorectal cancer. But more than just a day of wearing the color blue, Dress in Blue Day is a call to action – an opportunity to learn, advocate and spread hope.
What is Dress in Blue Day
Dress in Blue Day takes place on the first Friday of March and was created in 2009 by Anita Mitchell, a volunteer with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and founder of Colon Cancer Stars. Anita, who was battling stage IV colorectal cancer, had lost both a close friend and her father to the disease. Driven by this loss, she recognized the urgent need to raise awareness about cancer.
Anita's first effort to create a day of recognition for colorectal cancer was extraordinarily successful at her workplace and her children's school. In 2009, she decided to introduce the idea of a dress-in-blue day to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to strengthen the movement further. The Alliance adopted the initiative, which led to nationwide recognition of the event.
Why Awareness is Important
The statistics surrounding colorectal cancer are startling, and according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the incidence of colorectal cancer is rising among young adults while declining among older populations. This trend is especially concerning, given that the number of diagnoses has decreased since the early 80s due to increased screenings and healthier lifestyle changes. The rise in cases among younger populations highlights the critical need for early detection, heightened awareness, and initiative-taking health measures.
Here are a few statistics:
- 10% of colon cancer cases diagnosed are in individuals under 50.
- Colorectal cancer is the deadliest cancer among young men and the second deadliest among young women.
- Each year, approximately 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
- 1 in 24 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
- There are currently 1.5 million colorectal cancer survivors in the United States.
These numbers not only highlight the growing concern about colorectal cancer but also emphasize the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyles, knowing your family history and education.
How Does This Day Help with Colorectal Cancer Awareness?
Dress in Blue Day is a meaningful and impactful way to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. By wearing blue on this special day, we can ignite important conversations, stand in solidarity with those affected, and educate others about the importance of screenings and early detection. Small lifestyle changes, along with knowledge of family history and genetics, can significantly lower your risk. By participating in Dress in Blue Day, we can help save lives. Together, we are part of a growing movement to reduce the impact of colorectal cancer and inspire others to take initiative-taking steps for their health.
Why the Color Blue?
According to the American Cancer Society, dress in blue day was chosen based on the powerful response to the color blue. Blue symbolizes strength and regality, making it a fitting choice for raising awareness. The universal symbol for colorectal cancer is the blue star, which combines a star and ribbon to represent power and awareness in a single image. Not only that, but it promotes unity in the colorectal cancer field in recognition of our shared common goal to prevent and eradicate colorectal cancer.
How Can You Bring Awareness to Colorectal Cancer Through Dress in Blue Day?
There are many ways to participate in Dress in Blue Day and help spread awareness. The most effective methods are through word of mouth and social media. If your workplace, like PMC, encourages participation, share the day with others who may not know about it and explain its significance to those who want to be involved. Social media posts or pictures can be shared with millions of people in a matter of minutes, so be sure to share your blue outfit. Share what Dress in Blue Day is, and encourage others to join in.
You can also purchase awareness items from the Colorectal Cancer Alliances website to help spread the message, no matter the day, or you can donate to the cause. The alliance will match your contribution, doubling the impact on colorectal cancer and those affected by it.
This March, make it a priority to spread awareness about colorectal cancer and speak with your healthcare provider about the importance of colorectal screenings.
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