National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month focuses on one of the most common cancers in the United States. During this time, health advocates, organizations, and individuals come together to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, which affects the colon or rectum.
Activate workplace wellness and community engagement through blue-themed awareness campaigns, fundraising events, and screening education tied to colorectal cancer prevention.
- #DressInBlueDay workplace challenge with screening reminders and corporate fundraising tie-ins
- Virtual or in-person charity run/walk events with corporate team participation and health tracking integration
- Personal story spotlights and testimonial campaigns highlighting early detection success and survivor journeys
- Blue-themed product launches or limited-edition merchandise with proceeds benefiting colorectal cancer research organizations
Campaign ideas8
- Go Blue Community Activation: Partner with local landmarks, buildings, bridges to illuminate/illuminate in blue throughout March (coordinated with Colon Cancer Coalition's #BlueForCRC movement)
- Dress in Blue Day Campaign (March 6): Employee/customer participation with branded merchandise; encourage selfies and social shares with #DressInBlueDay and #BlueForCRC
- Destigmatization Campaign with Humor: Use lighthearted messaging (e.g., 'Corvette routine maintenance' angle) to address screening hesitations; partner with comedians or relatable personalities
- Health Risk Assessment Funnel: Drive to free, personalized CRC risk quizzes paired with Facebook/Google ads; segment results for targeted follow-ups about screening options
- Doctor's Office Point-of-Care Video Campaign: Place short-form educational content (30-60 sec) in waiting rooms; feature celebrity testimonials or patient success stories
- Young Adult Millennial Campaign: Target under-50 demographic (where CRC is rising) with TikTok/Instagram content; partner with younger influencers to normalize screening conversations
- Local Healthcare Partnership: Promote discounted colonoscopy packages for March; coordinate messaging with gastroenterology practices and surgical oncology departments
- Survivor Storytelling Series: Feature patient/survivor profiles in email, social, and landing pages; emphasize early detection and treatment outcomes
Social angles6
- It takes guts to get screened. Share why YOU'RE getting checked this March. #DressInBlueDay #ColorectalCancerAwareness
- Screening saves lives. One test. One chance to catch it early. Starting at 45. #BlueForCRC #GetScreened
- Colorectal cancer is rising in people under 50. Don't wait. Know your risk. Take our free quiz. #YoungOnsetCRC
- March = Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Time for routine maintenance on your health. #DressInBlueDay
- Blue means hope, awareness, and prevention. Wear it, share it, post it. What's your #DressInBlueDay outfit? 💙
- You've got guts. Now use them wisely. Schedule your screening at [URL]. It's preventable. #GetScreened #CRCMonth
Ad copy starters5
“Colorectal Cancer Doesn't Have Symptoms. But Your Screen Can Catch It Early. Starting at 45—Get Screened.”
“Time for Routine Maintenance. Schedule Your Colon Cancer Screening This March.”
“45 Is the New 50. Updated screening guidelines mean you should be checked now. It's preventable, treatable, beatable.”
“One Test. Thousands of Lives Saved. Wear Blue for Awareness. Get Screened for Prevention.”
“It Takes Guts to Get Your Colonoscopy. We've Got the Support & Info You Need. Learn More.”
Tips4
- DO: Inject humor and levity into messaging about a sensitive topic—it breaks stigma and increases engagement. Avoid clinical-only tone.
- DO: Leverage the community 'megaphone' effect of March—align your messaging with national organizations (ACS, CDC, Colorectal Cancer Alliance) so audiences hear it from multiple trusted sources.
- DON'T: Target only 45+ demographics—CRC is rising in under-50 populations. Use millennial-coded language and TikTok/Instagram to reach younger at-risk groups who don't think it applies to them.
- DO: Provide a low-friction entry point (free risk quiz, educational videos) for those not yet ready to schedule a screening; personalize recommendations and follow up via email.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month began in 2000. It was started by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a group focused on cancer prevention through education.
The goal was simple: raise awareness about colorectal cancer, encourage screenings, and spread the message that early detection saves lives.
Since its beginning, more organizations have joined the movement. These include the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Fight Colorectal Cancer, both working to increase public understanding.
Over the years, the campaign has grown, with special events and activities each March to remind people to take action. The month is now recognized across the United States as a key time to focus on colorectal cancer awareness and prevention.
This awareness month also highlights the importance of screening, especially as colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
By uniting efforts, these organizations aim to reduce the number of people affected by this disease.
Go Blue for the Cause
Embrace blue as your signature color for the month! Wear blue clothing, decorate your workspace, or light up your porch to spread awareness. Whether it’s at work or a Zoom call, a pop of blue will definitely get people talking. The #DressInBlueDay campaign is a fun way to show support and remind others to get screened.
Host a Movie Night or Awareness Event
Why not gather friends or colleagues for an awareness-themed event? Watch documentaries or videos about colorectal cancer or invite a local expert for a Q&A session. You can even make it virtual! This is a great way to spark important conversations while enjoying some popcorn.
Get Active with a Charity Run or Walk
Feeling energetic? Participate in a run or walk to end colorectal cancer. These events not only raise funds but also get people moving. If there’s no event nearby, consider organizing your own—maybe even a virtual run where participants can join from anywhere.
Share Your Story or Someone Else’s
Personal stories can be powerful. If you or someone you know has been impacted by colorectal cancer, share the journey on social media or at community gatherings. It’s a way to connect and inspire others to prioritize their health by getting screened.
Fundraise in Quirky Ways
How about holding a quirky fundraiser like a “blue bake sale” or a “wear-your-pajamas-to-work day”? Use creative ideas to raise funds for research and support. The quirkier, the better—it’s all about getting attention while supporting a vital cause.