United in Blue: Raising Awareness for Colorectal Cancer in March 2026

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and a key event driving awareness is Dress in Blue Day and the broader “United in Blue” campaign. These initiatives aim to highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and support for those affected by this preventable cancer.

What is Dress in Blue Day?

Dress in Blue Day is a nationwide event held on the first Friday in March to promote colorectal cancer awareness. In 2026, Dress in Blue Day will be observed on Friday, March 6th. By wearing blue, individuals show their support for the fight against colorectal cancer, honor those impacted by the disease, and help raise awareness.

United in Blue: A Powerful Visual Reminder

From March 1-14, 2026, Fight Colorectal Cancer will host “United in Blue” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This impactful installation will feature 27,400 blue flags, each representing a young adult projected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2030. The event brings together survivors, caregivers, advocates, clinicians, and lawmakers in a shared mission to demand change and improve outcomes.

United in Blue Schedule

• Sunday, March 1: Installation Day – Volunteers will place the 27,400 blue flags on the National Mall.
• Sunday, March 1, 5pm: Evening Rally – A rally will be held for survivors, caregivers, loved ones, members of Congress, and special guests, focusing on remembrance, resolve, and collective action.

Why is Raising Awareness Crucial?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for nearly 10% of all cancer diagnoses. It is also the second most deadly. Early diagnosis is crucial, as the disease is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Increasingly, younger adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer; in the United States, 1 in 5 cases now affect people under the age of 55. In 2025, an estimated 154,270 people will be diagnosed with this highly preventable disease, joining the over 1.5 million colorectal cancer patients and survivors currently living today.

How Can You Get Involved?

• Wear Blue: Participate in Dress in Blue Day on March 6th and throughout the month.
• Share on Social Media: Capture a photo wearing blue and use the hashtag #DressInBlueDay. Tag the Colorectal Cancer Alliance on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
• Volunteer: Assist with the United in Blue installation on the National Mall.
• Explore Resources: Visit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Fight Colorectal Cancer websites to learn more about getting involved.
• Support Research: Consider donating to organizations dedicated to colorectal cancer research and advocacy.

Blue March: A Global Effort

The European Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (ECCAM), known as Blue March, focuses on reaching a wider and younger audience by highlighting personal stories from patients of all ages. The 2025 campaign slogan is “You are never too young: Untold stories of early-onset colorectal cancer.”

By uniting in blue, we can raise awareness, support those affected by colorectal cancer, and work towards a future free from this disease.