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- Every March
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National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month unfolds throughout March, shining a vital spotlight on the fourth most common cancer in the United States. Join the movement to promote life-saving screenings, support research, and advocate for better patient outcomes.
Want to sponsor National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month? Learn how
Expected National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Deals
Throughout March, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month sees a surge in fundraising initiatives and corporate partnerships aimed at supporting research and patient care. Organizations like the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Fight Colorectal Cancer partner with brands for donation drives, virtual events, and awareness campaigns. Expect pharmaceutical companies such as Genentech to highlight their research efforts, while diagnostic innovators like Exact Sciences (makers of Cologuard) will promote screening accessibility. Retailers and health systems, including CVS Health and Mayo Clinic, often offer educational materials and free or discounted screening events. We will update this page with confirmed live events and programs as March approaches.
Platform Guide for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth. Share insights on workplace health, screening benefits, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth. Post educational infographics, survivor stories, and tips for a healthy gut, using the blue ribbon symbol.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth. Create a community group for support, share local screening events, and host live Q&A sessions with medical professionals.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Hero
Dr. David Sidransky
History of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
According to the American Cancer Society, anyone can develop Colon cancer, but some studied factors are: A diet that’s high in red meats (such as beef, pork, lamb, or liver) and processed meats (like hot dogs and deli meat) raises your colorectal cancer risk. Age and smoking are also risk factors. The best thing you can do to avoid this cancer is to stay active, don’t smoke, eat a diet full of vegetables instead of red meat, and get regular colon screenings, starting at age 45, or younger, if you have a family member who has had this cancer.
Colon cancer is treatable and is not necessarily a death sentence. The reason the cancer is more deadly for U.S. adults is because 20-25% of patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, which means the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. Still, this may be cured with a range of treatment options available, including surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on how far the cancer has spread.
It was in the year 2000 that President Clinton officially recognized National Colorectal Cancer Month. Since then various organizations have worked together to try and raise awareness and increase early detection.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month timeline
The American Cancer Society changed its guidelines to recommend people get screened at age 45, instead of age 50.
The Welch Allyn Corporation introduced the video endoscope, enabling the display of the image on a video screen.
One of the first colonoscopies was successfully performed.
Dr. William Wolff and Hiromi Shinya came up with the endoscope that would later be used to perform the colonoscopy.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Local businesses can observe National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by hosting educational workshops or partnering with local health clinics to offer screening information. Restaurants might feature healthy menu options and donate a portion of proceeds to a colorectal cancer charity. Fitness centers could organize charity runs or walks, encouraging community participation and promoting an active lifestyle as a preventative measure. It’s an opportunity to engage employees and customers in a critical public health conversation.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month FAQs
When is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?
In 2027, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month will again take place all through March, focusing on education, support, and advancements in treatment for patients and families.
How many people are affected by colorectal cancer?
Across the U.S., colorectal cancer continues to impact a significant population, with projections for 2027 showing similar incidence rates. It remains a leading cause of cancer-related death, underscoring the need for ongoing awareness.
What are the common risk factors for colorectal cancer?
Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention. In 2027, the focus on lifestyle choices like diet and exercise, alongside genetic predispositions and family history, remains central to identifying individuals at higher risk for colorectal cancer.
What is the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer?
As of 2027, guidelines continue to emphasize starting colorectal cancer screenings at age 45 for average-risk individuals. It’s important to discuss the most appropriate screening method and schedule with a healthcare provider.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Activities
Do some research.
The scientific medical community is always coming up with new discoveries and new findings, and the statistics change over time. Do some research and educate yourself so that your awareness improves and you can pass that knowledge on to those around you.
Talk about it.
Though the word ‘cancer’ is difficult to bring up on its own, this cancer is common, and nothing to be ashamed of. You could save a life if you recommend a friend to get screened.
Post on social media
Share the knowledge of this preventable disease, and encourage others to do the same, shame-free.
5 FACTS ABOUT COLON CANCER:
A person may have colon cancer, with no symptoms at all.
According to the Colon Cancer Coalition, patients who are diagnosed with colon cancer often do not have any symptoms.
If you were born in the 90s
If you were born in the 1990s, you have double the risk of colon cancer and, four times the risk of rectal cancer than those born in 1950. A disappointing statistic for any millennials.
Colon cancer runs in the family
People with a parent, sibling, or child with colorectal cancer have two or three times the risk of developing colon cancer, compared to those with no family history of the disease.
It is the 3rd leading cause of death for young adults
The CCC estimates that in 2020, there will be about 18,000 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in people under 50, the equivalent of 49 new cases per day.
Screening works
Colorectal cancer incidence rates in individuals of screening age have been declining in the U.S. since the mid-1980s. This is due to increased awareness and screening, but the screening rate remains low, especially among those who are uninsured or don’t have doctor’s offices within reasonable driving distance of their home.
WHY COLORECTAL CANCER MONTH IS IMPORTANT
It’s preventable,
The earlier the cancer is found, the better chance the person has to beat it. That is why early detection is so important.
It’s treatable.
Though it’s a deadly disease, it’s a treatable disease. Surgery is the primary form of treatment and results in a cure approximately 50% of the time.
It’s easy to detect.
A cancerous polyp can take as many as ten to 15 years to develop into cancer. With regular screening, doctors can remove polyps before they have the chance to turn into cancer.
Social Media Tips for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
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