NATIONAL DRESS IN BLUE DAY
In an effort to knock out one of the top cancers causing death, National Dress in Blue Day on the first Friday in March encourages everyone to learn about the causes of colon cancer and raise awareness by wearing blue.
#DressInBlueDay
Much like the pink ribbon represents those lost to breast cancer, a blue star honors the memory of those lost to colon cancer. Continuing the blue theme on Dress in Blue Day, awareness efforts provide support through fundraising for screening, research, and awareness education.
Screenings are vital. Colon cancer often has no symptoms until its advanced stages placing its victims at higher risk if they wait until symptoms appear. Screenings are recommended beginning at age 50 and younger if you are at high risk.
HOW TO OBSERVE DRESS IN BLUE DAY
- Check your closet and wear something blue.
- Find out more about your risk factors.
- Schedule a screening if you are due.
- Donate.
- Use #DressInBlueDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL DRESS IN BLUE DAY HISTORY
In 2006, Anita Mitchell, a stage IV colon cancer survivor, founder of Colon Cancer Stars helped organize a day in her child’s school to raise colon cancer awareness called Wear Blue for Colon Cancer Awareness Day after losing her father and a friend to the disease. National Dress in Blue Day’s success as a local school program encouraged Anita to bring the idea to the Colon Cancer Alliance in 2009. From there, this outstanding fundraiser developed into a nationwide program.
Colon Cancer FAQ
Q. How many people are diagnosed with colon cancer each year?
A. The American Cancer Society estimates that 106,180 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2022.
Q. What are the risk factors for colon cancer?
A. The CDC lists the risk of colon cancer as:
- Family history
- Genetic syndromes
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Lifestyle – lack of activity, diet, obesity, alcohol and tobacco usage
