National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Get screened! March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Screening saves lives - colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Wear blue for awareness!
About National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Get screened! March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Screening saves lives - colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Wear blue for awareness!
History & origins
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is observed every March in the United States to promote colorectal cancer screening and early detection. The CDC says the observance was created in 2000 to raise awareness of regular screening and reduce the burden of colorectal cancer; its public-facing campaigns have also helped popularize the blue awareness color. The month is supported by national cancer organizations and public health agencies, but the observance itself is informal rather than a traditional holiday.
Why it matters
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., and screening can find precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. That makes the month especially important for public education, because screening rates and early diagnosis directly affect survival, treatment cost, and long-term health outcomes.
How to celebrate
Get screened if you're 45+. Learn about screening options. Wear blue. Support cancer research. Share screening importance. Promote healthy diet and exercise.
Facts
- Third most common cancer in the US
- 90% survival rate when caught early
- Screening recommended starting at age 45
- Many cases are preventable with screening
- Blue is the official awareness color
Frequently asked questions
When is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in 2026?
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in 2026 is observed throughout March 2026. It is a month-long observance rather than a single-day holiday.
What is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?
It is a health awareness campaign focused on colorectal cancer prevention, screening, and early detection. The goal is to get people talking about screening options and risk factors before symptoms appear.
Who started National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?
The CDC says the observance was created in 2000. Its promotion has involved public health agencies and cancer organizations, but there is not a single universally credited founder.
How do you celebrate National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?
The most useful way to participate is to get screened if you are age 45 or older or at increased risk, and to encourage others to do the same. Wearing blue, sharing screening information, and supporting cancer research are also common observance activities.
Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month the same as Colon Cancer Awareness Month?
They are closely related, but colorectal cancer is the broader term because it includes cancers of both the colon and rectum. Many people use the terms interchangeably in everyday conversation.
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